Another action-packed Saturday of college baseball saw explosive performances across the country. Florida State’s Wes Mendes continued his dominance on the mound, racking up 11 strikeouts to keep his ERA under 1.00, while Clemson’s Jarren Purify stayed red-hot at the plate with his third straight three-hit game. In the SEC, Arkansas' Zach Root carved through hitters with a 10-strikeout performance, and Georgia's Ryland Zaborowski continued his power surge with yet another multi-homer game. Meanwhile, mid-majors made plenty of noise, with Coastal Carolina’s Blake Barthol finding his swing and Oregon State’s Dax Whitney overpowering hitters in a dominant outing. With bats heating up and arms dealing, this weekend only further cemented key names to watch as we head deeper into the season.
Atlantic Coast Conference
Covered by Monty Taylor
Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina – 4 AB, 2 R, 4 H, 4 RBI, 2 HR, BB, SB
Luke Stevenson has solidified himself as the best catcher in the 2025 MLB Draft rankings with a fantastic start to the season. The sophomore backstop enjoyed a career day on Saturday afternoon, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two home runs and four runs batted in. Stevenson got the scoring started with a solo blast to right field in the 1st inning that made it 1-0, UNC. In his next at-bat, he sent a single through the right side to score Kepley. In the 4th inning, Stevenson slugged another homer to right field for his fifth long ball of the year. He’d finish his day with a walk in the 6th and another single in the 7th. Stevenson is now hitting .321 on the year with six extra base hits and 18 walks in just 15 games played.
Jake Knapp is officially back as the veteran right-hander went the distance in North Carolina’s run rule victory over Stanford on Saturday afternoon. The grad student tossed his first quality start of the season against a Cardinal team that had dropped 13 runs on the Tar Heels the day before. The seven-inning performance was a career high for Knapp– who's last six inning out was on May 13th, 2023, against NC State. His seven strikeouts were just one less than his career high of eight, which he accomplished last week in just five innings against Stony Brook. Knapp is now 2-0 on the year with a 2.50 ERA and 20 strikeouts over 18 innings of work. He’s only walked three total batters all season.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
A Giants fan living in San Diego, been playing fantasy baseball since 2005 and dynasty since 2021. Started the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast in June 2023 and joined Prospects Live in March of 2024.
