AZ Hitter/Pitcher of the Week: Week 3
March 23, 2026
The 2026 Arizona high school baseball season is in full swing, delivering marquee matchups and standout individual performances across the Grand Canyon State. Each week, we highlight the premier performers from the all levels. Nominations are reviewed with a focus on statistical dominance and strength of schedule, particularly in high-stakes region play.
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Pitcher of the Week: Week 3
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Evan Hedlund LHP / Casteel, AZ / 2028Casteel sophomore Evan Hedlund turned in a standout performance this week, earning Pitcher of the Week honors after a dominant outing against Queen Creek. The young lefty worked 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out seven to secure the win over a team that produced 40+ runs during this past week. Hedlund showed advanced feel and poise beyond his years, controlling the tempo throughout and keeping hitters off balance with a well mixed three pitch arsenal. The fastball worked in the mid 80s with feel for the zone, while the changeup stood out as a true weapon, playing off the heater with depth and generating weak contact. Hedlund continues to trend up as one of the more intriguing young arms in the state with a polished, controlled look on the mound.
Highlights: 6.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K |
Runners Up:
Ryder Bell (Hamilton, LHP) – 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K (Win vs Red Mountain)
Grafton Marshall-Inman (Chaparral, RHP) – 6.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 8 K (Win vs Red Mountain)
Ayden McGinnis (Sandra Day O’Connor, RHP) – 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K (No hitter vs La Junta)
Hitter of the Week: Week 3
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Frank Gearhart 1B / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026Queen Creek’s Frank Gearhart earns Hitter of the Week honors after a loud, power driven stretch at the plate since his return. The CSUN commit consistently delivered impact swings throughout the week, showcasing his ability to do damage in the middle of the lineup. Gearhart left the yard twice while adding multiple extra base hits, showing his ability to drive the baseball with authority to all parts of the field. The physical left handed hitter continues to show a clean, efficient operation with strength that translates in game, producing runs in bunches and providing a consistent middle of the order presence.
Highlights: 5-9, 2 HR, 2 2B, 9 RBI, 4 R, BB |
Runners Up:
Brady Perrin (Millennium) – 7-16, 2B, 2 3B, HR, 6 RBI, 6 R, 7 BB
Jose Bingochea (Casteel) – 6-10, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 4 R, 2 BB
Ben Jacobus (Corona del Sol) – 7-13, HR, 2 3B, 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R
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