The college baseball season is officially underway, and the bats are already booming while the arms are dealing! Opening weekend delivered electric performances across the country, from dominant pitching debuts to monster home runs that sent fans into a frenzy. Whether it was Miami's Griffin Hugus carving up hitters, Clemson’s Cam Cannarella tying a school record with three doubles, or Texas A&M’s Jace LaViolette flexing his elite power, these players wasted no time making an early-season statement. Let’s break down the top performers who stole the spotlight and set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable season!
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Below take a look at the biggest performances from Saturday!
Atlantic Coastal Conference
Covered by Monty Taylor
Cade Campbell, 3B, California – 3 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 4 RBI, 2B, HR, BB
Cade Campbell hadn’t played for the Golden Bears since his freshman year when he hit .115 with zero home runs over 52 at-bats in 2023. And yet the junior third baseman is now 2-for-2 this year in games with a long ball. The Lodi, California native followed up his Opening Day performance with two more extra base hits and four more RBIs, bringing his total to seven runs batted in on the young season. Campbell got the scoring started in Saturday’s 9-1 win over Nevada with a bases-clearing double down the left field line to make it 3-0 in the Bottom of the 1st. He’d add to that with his second homer of the year– a solo shot– in the 5th inning.
Cam Cannarella, CF, Clemson – 6 AB, 4 R, 4 H, RBI, 3 2B
Funny enough, Cam Cannarella’s first hit of the season was a line drive back up the middle that struck the ump. That single was part of Clemson’s 7-run first inning as the Tigers clobbered the #21 Arizona Wildcats, 16-5 in Arlington, Texas. Cannarella followed that up with three doubles on the day, tying a school record. All three two-baggers came after the 7th inning as the highly-touted junior hit two to left field and one to right. Cannarella hit 16 doubles in each of his first years at Clemson and now that he’s back fully healthy, should eclipse that number in 2025.
Wallace Clark, SS, Duke – 5 AB, 1 R, 4 H, 3 RBI, HR, BB, SB
Wallace Clark might be the best 9-hole hitter in the country. After leading the Duke Blue Devils in OBP in 2024, he’s already reached base in seven of his ten plate appearances to start the year. On Saturday, the senior from Tulsa, Oklahoma went 4-for-5 with a walk and three RBIs as Duke battled a scrappy visiting Cincinnati squad. With the game deadlocked at 5-5 in extra innings and showing no signs of threatening, Clark put the team on his back and delivered a 351 foot laser down the left field line, evening the series and sending the Duke fans home happy.
Alex Lodise, SS, Florida State – 5 AB, 2 R, 3 H, 2 RBI, 2B, HR
After a fall and preseason that saw Alex Lodise showcase an increase of power at the plate, the Seminole shortstop checked in with his first long ball of the spring in game two of the 2025 season. It was a no doubter to the parking lot and was measured leaving the bat at a 107 MPH exit velocity. After an 0-for-5 performance on Opening Day, the FSU captain appeared eager to get on the board for the first time this season. He singled up the middle on a full count in the bottom of the third to check in with his first hit of the year and then followed that up with a two-out double to right center for his first extra base hit. Lodise finished a triple shy of the cycle after flying out to center field in his last at-bat of the game in the bottom of the 7th.
Griffin Hugus, RHP, Miami – 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 11 K, Win
Griffin Hugus might be in the discussion for ACC Pitcher of the Week after a stellar debut performance in Coral Gables against Niagara. The junior transfer from Cincinnati was electric on the mound, throwing six shutout innings while striking out eleven. There were some concerns regarding Hugus’s lack of starting experience heading into the year, but those concerns were put to bed as he cruised through his first start. The former Bearcat took a no-hitter into the 6th inning before it was broken up by a one out single to left. Hugus is coming off a very successful season in the Cape Cod League and should continue to be one of Miami’s best arms.
Ryan Marohn, LHP, NC State – 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 7 K, Win
For the second straight season, Ryan Marohn was NC State’s Opening Weekend Sunday starter and he looked fantastic over five shutout innings. Marohn pounded the strike zone early and often as the Wolfpack completed the three-game sweep of Fordham to open up 2025. The sophomore southpaw was efficient as he was able to face 17 total batters while throwing just 81 total pitches. After serving as the primary midweek starter during his freshman campaign in 2024, Marohn appears poised to be a critical member of the Wolfpack rotation.
Christian Lim, LHP, Stanford – 6.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 K, Win
Much of the talk about Stanford’s highly-touted rotation has revolved around Team USA arms Matt Scott and Joey Volchko, despite Christian Lim’s 2024 Freshman All American campaign. The lefty was nearly perfect on Saturday as he hurled six hitless innings in Stanford’s doubleheader sweep of Cal State Fullerton. Lim hit a batter in the first inning and walked a man in the final frame for his only blemishes as he struck out four. The sophomore from Nashville didn’t display a ton of swing-and-miss stuff on Saturday but pounded the zone and delivered a sensational season debut in the Cardinal’s 6-3 victory.
Bryson Moore, RHP, Virginia – 5.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R/ER, 2 BB, 6 K
After a disappointing loss to Michigan on Opening Day in extra innings, Virginia needed a big performance from Bryson Moore on Saturday against Villanova. As the vaunted UVA offense struggled somewhat for the second straight game, Moore turned in the best outing of his young career by going 5.2 innings and only giving up one hit and one run. The sophomore right-hander turned in a career night with six strikeouts. Until this start, Moore had never thrown more than three innings or struck out more than three batters in a single outing on the mound. His display on Saturday night allowed the ‘Hoos to get back in the win column and set them up to take two of three while in Puerto Rico.
Matthew Dallas, LHP, Wake Forest – 4.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 2 BB, 9 K, Win
Matthew Dallas shined in his Wake Forest debut on Saturday by hurling 4.1 one-hit innings against 2024 NCAA Tournament team Long Island. The former Tennessee Volunteer struck out nine batters while dazzling with his fastball and slider combination. After a rocky first inning that included a pair of walks to start the outing, the sophomore lefty settled in and dominated. Dallas struck out the side in the 2nd and 3rd innings and only needed 11 pitches in the 4th inning to retire the side in order. Outside of a caught stealing out in the first, all of Dallas’s outs were induced by either a ground ball or a strikeout.
Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest – 4 AB, 3 R, 3 H, 2 RBI, HR, BB, SB
Marek Houston is the only returning player from yesterday’s list and it’s because the expected first round pick can’t stop hitting home runs! Wake Forest played in their third game of the young season on Saturday and for the third time, Houston hit a ball out of the park. The junior shortstop is now 7-for-11 on the young season with three dingers and nine RBIs over Wake Forest’s first three games– all run-rule wins in 7 innings. Each of the three homers have been over the left field fence as Houston appears to have developed some pull-side power. With three home runs already on the year, he looks certain to eclipse last season’s home run total of eight.
BIG Ten Conference
Covered by Jake Bargery
Gabe Swansen, Nebraska LF – 3 for 4, 6 RBI, 1 R, 2 2B, 1 HR
Swansen broke onto the scene in the 2023 season, earning second team all-Big Ten honors. While his power took a bit of a step back a year ago, he showed up for the Cornhuskers when it mattered most, hitting his way to the Big Ten all-tournament and the Stillwater all-regional teams. He, once again, stepped up on the biggest of stages against one of our bubble top 25 teams, Vanderbilt. In his three hits he recorded on the night, all three went for extra bases and all three were 100 mph+. His biggest of the night was his 110 mph 2-run blast in the top of the seventh that proved to be the game sealer as Nebraska went on to beat the commodores 6-4.
Aaron Savary, Iowa RHP – 6 IP, 10 K, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 90 pitches, Win
Savary was one of Iowa’s top bullpen arms last season, but he earned his way into the weekend rotation this year and did not disappoint. After a shaky first inning where he surrendered two walks, a double, and a sac fly that allowed a couple runs to cross for USF, he went back out there and went to work. Savary went on to retire 15 of the next 17 batters he faced, racking up a career high 10 strikeouts on the day. The 25’ draft eligible right hander has a wiry body and a low-¾ arm slot. His fastball can reach the mid-90s and his slider can compete with nearly anyone’s in the country. This Iowa rotation is going to make the Hawkeyes a tough matchup every single weekend.
Alex Calarco, Maryland C – (combined) 3 for 8, 8 RBI, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 HR (1 Grand Slam)
Another day, another Maryland grand slam. This time it’s the veteran Alex Calarco. Calarco transferred to Maryland from Northwestern a year ago. After hitting 4 home runs in each of his first two seasons as a starter, he popped 3 of them in yesterday’s double header vs Ball State and Mercyhurst. After this power display, the Terrapin backstop could be poised for a big breakout in 2025.
Trent Liolios, Northwestern DH – 2 for 4, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 2 HR
Liolios got the Wildcat offense started against Long Beach State by leading off the third with a solo shot. Backed by strong starting pitching, which I will talk more about in a moment, Liolios helped seal the deal with a big three-run shot to put the Dirtbags away in the ninth. The junior infielder is in his second year starting for Northwestern and if he can continue building off of yesterday’s performance, he will stay in the middle of their order for the long haul.
Cole Gilley, Indiana RHP – 5.1 IP, 11 K, 3 H, 0 BB, 2 R/1 ER, 81 pitches, ND
The fifth-year senior transfer from Indiana State made his Hoosier debut yesterday and was lights out. After retiring nine of his first ten batters faced and striking out a career high 11 talented Xavier batters, he was only then relieved in the sixth inning. The Indiana native can run his fastball up into the mid-90s and carries a big sweeping slider and pretty good changeup to play off of the heater. He was making the Xavier batters look silly all day with 57 of his 81 pitches yesterday going for strikes (70.4%) and racking up 21 swinging strikes. Gilley will look to build off of this strong start as the Hoosiers travel to Cary, NC next weekend.
Maddox Molony, Oregon SS – (Game 2) 3 for 4, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 HR, 1 SB
In game two of the Oregon doubleheader against Toledo, Maddox Malony stole the show. He got his day started early with a solo shot in the second inning. He reached again in the fourth on a single, but in the sixth, he went yard again to give the Ducks a seven run lead. Molony has attracted some attention as one of the top college bats for the 2026 draft cycle. He’s a patient hitter, but doesn’t waste a swing when he gets the pitch he wants. He’s got visible power as an infielder, which doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m sure his stock is only going to rise as he goes through his 2025 campaign.
Payton Brennan, UCLA CF – 3 for 4, 4 RBI, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 BB
On a UCLA day where offense was the star of the show, Payton Brennan shined the brightest. Being only a single shy from the cycle, Brennan showcased his offensive ability by driving in four runs and gathering nine total bases. Brennan was widely recognized as one of the top high school prospects in the 2022 draft. He decided to go to college and if he can continue off of this performance, he’ll make the bet he made on himself pay off at the draft this year. While this game was far from a nail-biter and Brennan had plenty of production help, he proved his case to be one of the most dangerous hitters in the Big Ten this year.
Garrett Shearer, Northwestern RHP – 6 IP, 3 K, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 ER, 90 pitches, Win
Shearer got the Saturday start and proved why he has big potential to be the ace of this Northwestern pitching staff. He went unscathed through the first 3.1 innings before allowing the only two runs for Long Beach State to come across on a double in the fourth. Afterward, it was smooth sailing once again as he sat down the final six batters he faced on the day. Shearer has gotten some recent buzz as a player to watch for the 2026 draft. His low-mid 90s fastball and wipeout slider sure do give him a case to be just that.
Kade Higgins, USC RF – 4 for 4, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 SB
Kade Higgins has made USC his third stop, previously playing for Arizona State and UNLV. He was a very productive player the two seasons prior at UNLV. Yesterday, he was perfect at the plate, reaching base in all four of his plate appearances. In a game that came down to the very end, it was the offensive performance from Higgins that made the difference. He started his day with a single in the first. Next, in the third, he hit a two-run blast to extend the Trojan lead to four. He went on to repeat what he did in his first two AB’s later in the game with another single and solo shot. His second homer proved to be enough as USC outlasted George Washington 8-9.
Brennan Hyde, Rutgers DH – 3 for 5, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 HR
Rutgers takes the series from Kennesaw State off the backs of strong pitching and productive offense, led by Brennan Hyde. Hyde is a D3 Transfer from Nichols College in Dudley, MA. There, Hyde earned third-team all-american honors as well as a gold glove award in the outfield. Yesterday, he was the designated hitter and that was all the Scarlet Knights needed him to be. He was a part of the five-run fourth inning by driving in RJ Johnson Jr. on a single. Later, in the eighth, he hit a solo homer to right field to extend the Rutgers lead to six. He will get another early test as Rutgers travels to Grand Canyon next weekend.
BIG 12 Conference
Covered by Rhys White
Lex Boedicker, 1B, Central Florida - 3 AB, 3 R, 2 H, 0 RBI, 2 2B, 2 BB, 0 K
Seniors get no love from the draft community, but Lex Boedicker has just produced. He does swing and miss a bit too much, which hurts his profile, mainly because he is a first-base/designated hitter type.
Chase Krewson, LF, Central Florida - 5 AB, 1 R, 3 H, 4 RBI, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
The Duke transfer is having a nice start to the season. It is only two games, but that’s not what we are here to complain about. Krewson had a great start to his college career and then seems to have gotten squeezed out at Duke. This is a win for a UCF program that could use some spark.
Brendan Summerhill, RF, Arizona - 4 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
This is what you wanna see from a future first-round selection. This ball was smashed at 103 off the bat. There is a lot to like about Summerhill because he can do a bunch of everything on a baseball field at an average or above-average rate. This homer came as the game was still in reach for Arizona. If Summerhill can mash batted balls like this, he can make some good money as a top-15 selection in a draft that is up in the air.
Logan Sauve, C, West Virginia - 4 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 2 RBI, 0 2B, 1 BB, 1 SB
Not often do you see a catcher stealing a bag. In his draft year, Sauve can establish himself as a Dominic Keegan-type catcher, a hit-over power type. Sauve is someone we are gonna keep an eye on. His season-high stolen bases are 2, and he is halfway there in the first weekend of play.
Wesley Jordan, LF, Baylor - 5 AB, 2 R, 3 H, 0 RBI, 0 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
I told you all Wesley does is hit. He has been doing this for a while now. He will be an interesting senior sign as a hit-tool-only corner outfielder. Teams sign these types, and they become solid big-league depth. We would love to talk about some JuCO bandits here!
Donovan Ford, CF, Cincinnati - 4 AB, 1 R, 3 H, 1 RBI, 1 3B, 0 BB, 0 K
The Newberry transfer started his Cincinnati career the way his Newberry one ended, and that was just hitting. He hit over .400 in both his sophomore and junior campaigns. There isn’t much power, but he gets on base. He has good bat-to-ball skills, can play centerfield, and can run, stealing 89 bases in three years. He’s not the biggest athlete, but his speed and contact skills give him a decent floor as a draft prospect.
Brandon Compton, LF, Arizona State - 4 AB, 2 R, 3 H, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 1 2B, 1 BB, 0 K
Not bad for the Golden Spikes preseason finalist. Compton shows off the power with his first homer of the season. He burst onto the scene, hitting 14 homers in his freshman season while hitting .355. He is now a top-three draft selection with some power and more than enough contact skills to get to said power in the game.
Nolan Schubart, RF, Oklahoma State - 4 AB, 1 R, 3 H, 3 RBI, 1 2B, 1 BB, 0 K
I could watch Nolan Schubart hit all day. He has the power you want from a corner-outfield prospect, with more than enough contact skills. Schubart’s floor is pretty high, as is his ceiling if he continues to get to that power. He has all the makings of a middle-of-order type bat at the highest level.
Tommy LaPour, RHP, Texas Christian - 6.0 IP, 6 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Tommy sliced and diced his way through this San Diego lineup. The former Wichita State arm has a chance to solidify himself as a steady rotation piece for TCU as they look to bounce back to the powerhouse program they have been. LaPour was bumping in the mid-90s, and the breaking ball showed good shape. If he pitches well this season, he could be a nice arm to watch in 2026.
Southeastern Conference
Covered by James Weisser & Brian Switzer II “Switz”
Brent Iredale, 3B, Arkansas - 3 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 2 RBI, 2 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
Another year, another Australian taking the college landscape by storm. Iredale is the next in a growing line from “The Land Down Under”, and on Saturday, he wasted no time introducing himself to college baseball fans in style, not just blasting one homer, but a Double Dong at Baum-Walker Stadium, absolutely torching and putting on a clinic against Washington State so far this weekend.
Last year, Iredale was the top JUCO bat in the country, generating serious draft interest, but instead of signing, he landed in Fayetteville, and early on, he’s proving to be a force at the plate while looking solid at third base. Through the first weekend, he’s treating D1 baseball like a wiffle ball, showing why he’s a premium bat to keep a close eye on.
With top-50 upside for July’s draft, Iredale has the talent to rise, though his biggest challenge this spring will be handling spin and SEC pitching, a key test that will ultimately prove to scouts whether he’s the real deal despite being draft eligible last July.
Max Belyeu, OF, Texas - 3 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 1 K
Wowza, what a shellacking the Longhorns put on Ole Miss! In a dominant 10-0 win against their conference foe, Belyeu came up huge, launching his first long ball of the season and leading the Texas stat sheet with 3 RBIs. Overall, on the night, every time he made contact it was scorched for a triple digit barrel. The Home run was 107 off the bat and ended up being deposited into the Longhorns bullpen in RCF.
Belyeu is firmly in the mix with a handful of Power 4 outfielders vying for a coveted spot within the top 50 selections in July’s draft, and with performances like this, displaying his high-level production with Day One tools, he’s proving he has the talent to make that jump into the top 30 when the dust settles at the end of the college baseball season.
Will Gasparino, OF, Texas - 3 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 1 K
An outfielder I predicted at the eleventh hour before the college baseball season began to be a massive breakout performer this spring on X is already showing signs of proving me right. On Saturday, he put together a monster game at the plate, flashing both strength and speed, as he belted a double and a triple in his final two ABs of the contest, a glimpse of the impact he’s capable of making all season long.
When watching Gasparino, it’s clear he possesses obvious five-tool potential, and within his long, lanky build, there is untapped power waiting to be unlocked. If he continues to refine his approach and tap into his raw strength, he has the potential to become a serious offensive catalyst at the college level, pairing explosive power with his wheels on the basepaths to create a massive offensive ceiling.
He already mans the premium "8" spot in the field, showcasing the range and instincts to stick in center field long-term. If the bat fully clicks, If he continues this early-season surge, he could skyrocket up draft boards as one of the most exciting outfield talents in the 2026 class.
Brody Donay, C, Florida - 3 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 1 K
Easily the best power bat in college baseball right now, Donay continues to showcase his elite strength, and Saturday was no exception. In Florida’s matchup against Air Force, he launched two extra-base hits, including an absolute moonshot to dead center field, a 438-foot blast off the batter’s eye, a jaw-dropping reminder of why he’s one of the most feared sluggers in the country.
He’s now up to three home runs on the season, all coming against the Falcons in as many games. However, the key test for Donay this season, especially as he heads into the draft process, won’t be his power, which is already elite. Instead, scouts will be watching to see if he can consistently put the bat on the ball, improve his batting average, and refine his approach at the plate. His bat-to-ball skills have historically been below average or poor, and proving he can make quality contact against high-level arms will be crucial in determining his draft stock. This hot start though is a good start in the right direction.
Matthew Becker, LHP, South Carolina - 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 9 K
Becker got the nod to start Game 2, and he absolutely shoved. The right-hander tossed five scoreless innings, dominating the Pioneers while allowing just one hit in the process. In the outing, he also notched the 200th strikeout of his college career, adding another milestone to his résumé.
While Becker doesn’t have overpowering stuff, his ability to command the zone and keep hitters off balance makes him an intriguing arm to follow. If he puts together a strong season, he could position himself as a Day 3 selection or a priority UDFA signing come July.
Jace Laviolette, CF, Texas A&M - 4 AB, 3 R, 2 H, 5 RBI, 2 HR, 1 BB, 1 K
Arguably the best college hitter in this year's MLB Draft class, Laviolette put on a show-stopping performance Saturday, proving once again why he’s one of the most feared bats in the country. He reached base three times, drawing a walk and blasting two home runs (completing the Double Dong!), finishing the day with three runs scored and five RBIs.
His first at-bat set the tone, as he took a first-pitch fastball away before crushing a 1-0 heater to right field, a 99 mph exit-velocity shot right over the heart of the plate. He followed that up with a five-pitch walk in his next plate appearance, showing great discipline with his only swing coming on a 1-0 off-speed pitch.
In his third at-bat, Laviolette displayed a patient approach, taking four straight pitches before flying out to left field on a 3-1 fastball. The fifth inning tested him, as he fell behind 0-2 with the bases loaded, battled to extend the at-bat, but ultimately struck out on a fifth-pitch slider away.
Then came the grand finale. In his final at-bat of the day, he pulled a first-pitch fastball foul, took the next pitch to even the count at 1-1, and then absolutely demolished a hanging fastball, sending it over the centerfield wall for a walk-off, run-rule grand slam.
The Aggies dominated Elon, 16-6, and Laviolette cemented himself as the offensive force of the game. Performances like this only solidify his status as 1:1 come July.
Gavin Grahovac, 3B, Texas A&M - 4 AB, 4 R, 2 H, 2 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
The 2025 Preseason All-SEC First Team star had a productive day at the plate, reaching base three times, scoring four runs, and adding a walk, a home run, and two RBIs.
Grahovac opened his day by showcasing his patience, taking two pitches, including a fastball down the middle to even the count at 1-1. He then swung through a fastball, spoiled a 1-2 changeup, and ultimately popped up to second base on the fifth pitch of the at-bat.
In his second plate appearance, he took the first pitch before grounding to short, reaching on a throwing error. His third at-bat was where he really flashed his strength and raw power, after working a 3-1 count, he fouled off a fastball, then crushed an opposite-field home run to right, extending the lead to 8-3 in the bottom of the fourth.
With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the fifth, Grahovac continued his disciplined approach, taking three pitches before roping a fastball down the right-field line to make it 2-2. He then fouled off a 3-2 fastball down the left-field line before ultimately drawing a bases-loaded walk on the seventh pitch, driving in another run.
In his final at-bat, with two men on and one out in the bottom of the sixth, Grahovac capped off his day with a bloop single to right field, a quirky hit made possible after Elon’s first baseman fell backward trying to make the catch.
It was a standout performance, as Grahovac’s ability to control the zone, show power to all fields, and work deep counts is exactly why he’s one of the most complete hitters in the SEC this season and has top 10 upside in the 2026 draft.
Jared Jones, 1B, LSU - 2 AB, 2 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 2 BB, 0 K
Golden Spikes Watchlist and Preseason All-SEC First Team first baseman Jones delivered a strong performance Saturday, reaching base three times with two walks and a monster home run, helping LSU cruise to a 10-1 win over Purdue-Fort Wayne. He scored three runs on the day and showcased excellent patience at the plate.
Jones set the tone in his first plate appearance, working a 3-2 count before drawing a seven-pitch walk. In his second at-bat, he continued to show discipline, swinging at just two of the five pitches he saw before grounding out to short on a low 3-2 fastball over the middle of the plate.
He responded in his third plate appearance with a statement swing, crushing a no-doubt home run off the scoreboard in left-center field on a 1-0 pitch that hung on the outer half. The 415-foot blast, which left the bat at 102 mph, gave LSU a commanding 5-0 lead.
Jones wrapped up his day in his final plate appearance, showing more elite patience by drawing a four-pitch walk. His ability to control the strike zone, wait for his pitch, and do serious damage when he gets one is exactly why he’s one of the top bats to watch in the SEC this season and should garner Day 2 interest in July
Derek Curiel, LF, LSU - 3 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 2 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
Contestably, the No. 1 freshman in college baseball, wasted no time showing why he’s considered the top player in his class, reaching base twice with a walk and his first collegiate home run in just his second career game.
In his first plate appearance, he displayed an advanced approach, drawing a five-pitch walk without swinging once, though he was later caught stealing second on a 3-1 count after a bad jump. His second at-bat saw him make solid contact, but he flew out to left field on an 0-1 fastball.
Then came the breakout moment, in his third plate appearance, he once again showed patience, waiting until a 1-2 count before getting his pitch. He didn't miss. Crushing a hanging breaking ball over the middle of the plate, he sent a 371-foot, 103 mph rocket to right field for a two-run homer, the first of his college career, extending LSU’s lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fifth.
He finished his day in his final plate appearance, flying out to left field on a 2-2 breaking ball away.
This early glimpse into his smooth, compact left-handed swing suggests he could easily develop into one of the top hitters for the 2026 MLB Draft. With his natural ability to barrel baseballs, expect him to only get better as he gains more confidence and experience at the college level.
Daniel Dickinson, INF, LSU - 3 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 2 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
One of the hottest hitters in college baseball to start the season, Utah Valley State transfer Dickinson continues to impress. Coming off a five-RBI performance yesterday, he stayed locked in at the plate, reaching base twice while going 2-for-3 with a single and his first home run as an LSU Tiger. He scored two runs and added two RBIs, further proving to be a key piece in LSU’s lineup.
Dickinson wasted no time making an impact, showing patience in his first plate appearance, taking three of the first four pitches before turning on a 2-2 fastball low and in, sending it 322 feet to left-center for a wall-scraping two-run homer, his first as a Tiger, giving LSU a 2-0 lead.
In his second at-bat, he popped up to second base on a 1-1 fastball, but he rebounded in his third trip to the plate, showing a great two-strike approach by lining an 0-2 breaking ball to left field for a hard base hit, registering a 95 mph exit velocity.
Dickinson’s final plate appearance showed his more aggressive side, but also his ability to battle with two strikes. After swinging and missing at an 0-1 pitch, he made contact on the next two swings before ultimately reaching base on a hit-by-pitch.
His early-season performance has been electric, and with his approach, bat speed, and feel for hitting, Dickinson is quickly solidifying himself as a key offensive force for the Tigers in 2025 and a potential top 50 selection in July.
Mid-Majors and Independents
Covered by Brian Switzer II “Switz”
Jordan Taylor, LF, Setson (ASUN) - 4 AB, 2 R, 3 H, 5 RBI, 2 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Massive game down in Puerto Rico for the Hatters, as they secured an impressive non-conference dub against Big Ten’s own Penn State on Saturday morning. A key reason for the big win? The breakout performance from Taylor, a new acquisition for Stetson after spending his 2024 campaign at Chipola. Originally at Florida State, Taylor is best known for his speed on the basepaths but, maybe the Hatters should schedule more games on the island. Not only did he flex his power, but he completed the double-dong, launching bombs in the second and sixth innings, both deposited in left field. His second blast was an absolute laser, punishing a slider with a scorching 106 mph exit velocity. A truly remarkable display of power.
The day before his double-dong breakout, Taylor flashed the leather with a highlight-reel grab in left-center, robbing the Huskies of extra bases in a tight ballgame. While he currently profiles as a Day 3 pick or a strong candidate to return for his senior year, his blend of tools and athleticism could make him an intriguing upside selection in July.
Dax Whitney, RHP, Oregon State (Independent) - 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 8 K, Win
Phenomenal college debut for the true freshman! Whitney was locked in from the first pitch to his final one in the fifth inning, exiting after 84 pitches (49 strikes) and securing his first collegiate dub in Corvallis. He wasted no time making an impact, striking out four batters within the first two innings and showcasing high-octane stuff, running his fastball up to 98 mph while sitting comfortably in the mid-90s.A true data-darling, Whitney generates ridiculous spin and movement on nearly every pitch in his arsenal, making it even more shocking that his name wasn’t called at all or based on his stuff, as a top-100 pick in last July’s draft. This was a loud debut, one that not only cements him in the Freshman of the Year race but also puts him on the radar as a potential Pitcher of the Year candidate; especially if he keeps this momentum rolling and develops into the ace Oregon State needs to chase its first national title since 2018.
Tyce Peterson, INF, Oregon State (Independent) - 3 AB, 3 R, 2 H, 2 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
The uber-versatile Swiss Army knife for the Beavers took a break from the infield and was cemented at DH duties on Saturday. However, he didn’t take a day off with the bat as he came up big, driving in multiple runs and crossing the plate himself, proving once again why he’s such a valuable asset for OSU. In the bottom of the second, he wasted no time making his presence felt, launching a towering 2-run blast into deep left-center, leaving the bat at a scorching 113 mph EV.
After that, Petersen reached base every time he stepped up to the plate, finding ways to get on including a fielding error and continuing to apply pressure. With the game getting out of hand, Petersen was subbed out in the sixth for Serrano, as the Beavers cruised to a dominant 16-0 run-rule victory. It was the kind of all-around performance that showcases just how dynamic Petersen can be with the bat, exactly what scouts want to see from him this spring as we edge closer to July.
RJ Shunck, LHP, Toledo (MAC) - 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The Ducks in Eugene got a crash course in MAC-tion on Saturday, suffering a surprising Game 1 loss to the Toledo Rockets in a doubleheader, their first win against a ranked opponent in nearly a decade. The hero? The mighty southpaw Shunck, who dominated on the road, tossing five shutout innings while allowing just four hits and completely silencing Oregon’s bats in a statement performance. Coming off a rough 2024 campaign (1-4, 8.16 ERA), Shunck flipped the script in his 2025 debut, retiring the first 10 batters he faced and needing just 28 pitches to carve through Oregon’s lineup the first time through.
Shunck is draft-eligible in 2024, and performances like this especially against powerhouse programs like Oregon could go a long way in boosting his stock. A strong showing in conference play and continued success against top competition could firmly place him in Day 3 discussions when it matters most in July.
Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara (Big West) - 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 1 HBP
A talented and highly prized pitching recruit, Flora arrived in Southern California last spring and has quickly become one of the hottest mid-major arms climbing the ranks for the 2026 class. Every time he takes the mound, he dominates, and Saturday was no different. In his 2025 debut, Flora was in control, tossing five shutout innings, allowing just three hits, and striking out six. On the mound, he features a devastating one-two punch, a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and a data-darling wipeout slider, a combo that makes him a nightmare for opposing hitters.
Last spring, he worked out of the bullpen for the Gauchos, finishing second on the team in saves while racking up 40 strikeouts to 25 walks. Now, entering his sophomore season, Flora is poised to make the jump into a larger role, potentially cementing himself as a future frontline arm.As scouts start evaluating the 2026 class, one key focus will be Flora’s ability to develop a reliable third pitch, a crucial step that could elevate him into a legitimate pro-level prospect. If he makes that leap, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of his Friday night guy, Tyler Bremner, who has positioned himself as a first-round arm in this year’s draft.
Aiden Robbins, OF, Seton Hall (Big East) - 5 AB, 4 R, 4 H, 4 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K
Over the summer during my time on the Cape, a late arrival to the season quickly became a spark plug in the outfield, bringing energy and a whippy barrel that always seemed to find a way to make contact, giving off TJ Friedl vibes with his skill set. That outfielder? Aiden Robbins. After a strong summer campaign in the Cal Ripken League and playing a key role in helping the Harwich Mariners capture a Cape League championship, he’s picked up right where he left off.
On Saturday afternoon, Robbins continued his torrid stretch at the plate, lacing and blasting balls all over Arizona at the MLB Desert Invitational, proving once again why he’s a name to watch this spring. He fell just a long ball short of the cycle, but he was the spark that ignited the Pirates’ offense after they fell behind early to a John Bay home run. Robbins’ offensive surge completely flipped the game, turning it into a one-sided run-rule throttling.
Robbins is a low-key bat to watch this spring, an underrated talent emerging from the Big East with tools that scouts can dream on and a career .300 hitter everywhere he has gone (spring and summer seasons). He’s not draft-eligible until 2026, giving him plenty of time to climb the rankings and generate the buzz needed for a high-money selection when the time comes. However, for readers of the Daily Sheet, Robbins is a name to get ahead on before the masses catch wind of his game. Stay locked in because it won’t be long before he’s on everyone’s radar.
Matt Adams, RHP, Southern Miss (Sun Belt) - 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 9 K
What a comeback outing for Adams to kick off the 2025 season! As mentioned in the college preview, Adams missed all of last season due to injury, but his impact in 2023 was undeniable, posting an impressive 72:22 strikeout-to-walk ratio, proving his ability to miss bats while maintaining solid command.
Now fully healthy, Adams is back, and he delivered big in Game 2 of the doubleheader for the Golden Eagles. He showed superior command of his entire arsenal, landing 56 of his 79 pitches for strikes, setting the tone for what could be a huge bounce-back season. Southern Miss entered the season with question marks about who would round out their weekend rotation, but Adams is making it clear to the clubhouse that one of those weekend spots belongs to him moving forward. With his command back in form and a strong Opening Weekend statement, he’s quickly proving he can be a reliable arm in the Golden Eagles’ rotation each weekend.
Davis Gillespie, OF, Southern Miss (Sun Belt):
Game 1 - 4 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Game 2 - 5 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
What a gamer! Gillespie was the offensive catalyst for the Black and Gold, blasting baseballs, displaying elite barrel accuracy, and driving in runs, ultimately sealing the win in walk-off sac-fly fashion in game 1 of the day. Over the summer, he gained valuable experience on the Cape, facing premium pitching and tougher competition, but at times, he looked overmatched, struggling with strikeouts and some brutal BABIP luck.
Fast forward to Saturday, and somehow, the switch has flipped; Jobu is clearly pleased after an 8-RBI day at the plate. Gillespie was locked in, and most notably, didn’t strike out once. In the 7th inning of Game 1, he delivered a blast into left field for a two-run homer, then came back in the nightcap and launched another one into LF for 3 more RBIs, further showcasing the raw power that makes him such an intriguing prospect. The tools are there for him to be something special at the next level, but the key will be cutting down the strikeouts and finding more barrels that land for base hits.
Right now, he profiles as a Day 3 guy, but if everything comes together this spring, he could see a major rise in stock, potentially landing in the 5th-8th round range by July.