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AIA Scout Blog: 5/5 Playoffs

May 7, 2025
Antonio Torres
Arizona Director

The Arizona Scout Blog shifts into playoff mode as the AIA State Tournament gets underway. Throughout each round, the Prep Baseball Arizona staff will be on the ground covering matchups across all classifications, highlighting standout performances and key prospect evaluations. From impact underclassmen to uncommitted seniors and draft follow arms, this running blog will feature detailed scouting notes, game insights, and data-driven breakdowns from the state’s top postseason action. Expect player evaluations, velocities, offensive metrics, and more as we follow the road to the championship.

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May 5th - Round 2

Game 1 Player Notes:

(No.6) Nogales vs. (No.3) Centennial

Cohen Baack, 2025 RHP/OF, Centennial HS, Utah Valley commit

Baack turned in a dominant playoff outing, striking out 13 across 6.2 shutout innings. The lean right hander sat 87-89 mph and touched 90, mixing in a 79-83 mph changeup with late fade and a sharp 76-79 mph curveball that showed late break. Showed poise working out of traffic and the ability to miss barrels in key spots. If he can maintain a mature presence on the mound and fill out a bit, I can see him being a reliable bullpen arm at the next level.

David Daniels, 2025 C, Centennial HS, Glendale CC commit

Reliable behind the plate with sound receiving and game management skills. Offensively, displayed a mature approach with an opposite field RBI single early in the game. Strength in the hands and a short, compact path point to consistent contact and situational awareness in the box. CC will serve this kid well.

Xavier Escontrias, 2026 INF/RHP, Centennial HS, Uncommitted

Gritty middle infielder with high baseball IQ and feel for the game. Turned in a competitive 2 strike at bat, resulting in a single in the fifth. Shows consistent contact skills and bat control due to a simple, repeatable movements at the plate.

Game Recap:

Centennial rode a dominant outing from Cohen Baack to a 2-0 shutout over Nogales on Monday. Baack struck out 13 across 6.2 innings, allowing just three hits and no runs to anchor the Coyotes’ quarterfinal win. William Strand opened the scoring with a solo shot in the second, and David Daniels added an RBI single in the third. Ruben Celaya pitched well in a losing effort for Nogales, giving up just one earned run over four innings. Isaac Flores earned the save.

Game 2 Player Notes:

(No.1) Canyon View vs. (No.8) Verrado

*Ricardo Yuriar, 2027 INF, Canyon View HS, Uncommitted

One of the more polished bats in Arizona's 2027 class. Advanced feel for the barrel for his age with a simple load and swing. Has shown the ability to stay on plane on pitches in every zone. Drives the ball to the opposite field well with the ability to pull. Delivered a game tying sacrifice fly in the seventh after several competitive swings throughout the night. Ricardo also shows defensive promise with short, quick arm action and clean footwork from 3B.

Braxton Bjur, 2025 LHP/OF, Verrado HS, Pima CC commit

Athletic left hander with a polished threepitch mix. Sat 84-86 mph and touched 88 with the fastball, while showing above average feel for a 71-77 mph curveball he could land for strikes or bury late. Also mixed an effective 77-80 mph changeup to keep hitters off balance. Logged 8 strikeouts over 6 innings with no walks, pitched with confidence and tempo, limiting hard contact despite limited run support.

Brody Meyer, 2026 1B/RHP, Canyon View HS, Uncommitted

Strong, physical frame with good balance in the box. Showed the ability to hit the ball to the opposite field, lacing a triple to right/center in the third as part of a 3 hit night. Flashed mature pitch recognition at the plate and also made an impact on the mound, working three scoreless innings in relief with 6 strikeouts.

Mattox Murray, 2028 INF/RHP, Canyon View HS, Uncommitted

Promising young athlete who continues to gain varsity experience. Showed energy and composure in a high leverage moment, helping jumpstart the Jags’ rally in the bottom of the seventh. Compact frame with room to grow.

Eli McBryde, 2026 C, Canyon View HS, Uncommitted

Poised under pressure and delivered the game winning RBI on a sacrifice fly in the seventh. Needs work defensively but displayed decent throwing ability and good leadership traits behind the dish.

Braden Marchese, 2025 OF/RHP, Verrado HS, Colorado State Pueblo commit

Grinder in the box with feel for situational hitting. Delivered an RBI in the first with two strikes, applying pressure on the defense. Profiles as a tough out with quality bat-to-ball skills and a motor that plays on both sides of the ball.

Game Recap:

Canyon View walked it off in dramatic fashion on Monday, edging Verrado 4-3 to advance in the 5A quarterfinals. Tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh, Eli McBryde delivered a sacrifice fly to left to bring home the winning run. Verrado jumped out early with two first inning runs and added another in the third, but Canyon View chipped away before cashing in with a late rally. Brody Meyer earned the win in relief, striking out six over three shutout innings. Braxton Bjur struck out eight in a strong start for Verrado, allowing no walks over six innings.

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Upcoming Events

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2025 ProCase - West AZ 6/01 Loyola Marymount University - Los Angeles, CA
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