The Philadelphia Baseball Review releases a weekly Power Poll that ranks the top five high school programs in the Philadelphia area. Local coaches, scouts, and talent evaluators assist in the voting and selection of teams.  1. Malvern Prep | (15-1, 3-0) [Up 1] The Friars took care of Episcopal last week and have been dominant over their last five games, outscoring opponents 47-5. There's a reason this team is receiving national recognition. 2. La Salle College | (8-1, 5-0) [Up 1] The Explorers wrapped up a perfect week with victories over Wood, SCHA, Holy Ghost, and Conwell-Egan. The C ..read more

It's a good day for the Philadelphia baseball community.  La Salle University has announced plans to reintroduce baseball as a varsity sport starting in the 2025-26 academic year, part of a broader expansion of its athletic programs. The decision, shared by President Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D., and Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Ashwin Puri, follows a thorough review of the university's sports landscape and strategic objectives.  The Board of Trustees has endorsed the move, highlighting the university's commitment to providing a diverse range of athletic opportunities fo ..read more

Ranger Suárez showcased his mastery on the mound, tossing aa complete game seven-hitter that led the Philadelphia Phillies to a decisive 5-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.  Suárez's dominance was evident with eight strikeouts and just one walk, marking the majors’ second complete game of the season.  It was a memorable night, as Philadelphia secured its first shutout since Michael Lorenzen’s no-hitter against Washington on Aug. 9.  Reflecting on his stellar outing, Suárez mentioned through a translator, “Everything was working well today.”  Bryce H ..read more

Jeff Hoffman made an outstanding play at the plate. | PHOTO: Greg Archibald Jeff Hoffman's towering presence on the mound played a crucial role in the Philadelphia Phillies' thrilling walk-off victory against the struggling Colorado Rockies on Monday night.  With the game deadlocked at 1-1 in a tense ninth inning, Hoffman found himself in a pivotal situation with two outs and runners threatening on the corners. His pitch took an unexpected bounce, eluding the grasp of catcher J.T. Realmuto and setting off a frantic scramble at home plate. Hoffman's quick reflexes and agility, ak ..read more

Devin Rivera named Philadelphia Baseball Review D-I Pitcher of the Week. | PHOTO: Villanova Athletics Each week during the college baseball season, the Philadelphia Baseball Review recognizes outstanding players with the Offensive Player and Pitcher of the Week awards. This week at the D-I level, both accolades go to Villanova representatives. The team is on a hot streak, having won four games in a row, including a notable three-game sweep of Seton Hall on the road this past weekend. Dylan Dennis | GR. | 1B Dennis finished the week 7-for-17 with four runs scored and two RBIs. He rais ..read more

Jackie Robinson stands with Sam Chapman in 1947. | PHOTO & CW: The Rucker Archive Standing side by side against the backdrop of the home dugout, Jackie Robinson and Phillies manager Ben Chapman shared a moment captured by flashing cameras. Robinson exuded confidence, his left hand resting on his hip while cradling the bat's barrel in his right hand—a bat that Chapman held firmly by its handle.  In one snapshot, they exchanged smiles, briefly bridging the divide; in the next, their gazes turned forward, hinting at the weight of history in the making.  Now, seventy-plus ..read more

Bryce Harper is off to a slow start this season. | PHOTO: DraftKings Network Andrew McCutchen achieved a significant milestone by hitting his 300th home run, contributing to the Pittsburgh Pirates' 9-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, which also resulted in a split of the four-game series.  In addition to McCutchen's achievement, Jack Suwinski's grand slam added to the Pirates' commanding performance.  Meanwhile, Phillies' standout Bryce Harper struggled, going 0 for 4 and extending his slump to 2 for 30, lowering his average to .190.  The 37-year-ol ..read more

Despite Bryce Harper's standout performance with two hits, Philadelphia's offense encountered difficulties yet again, managing just five additional hits in a 5-2 defeat against Pittsburgh at Citizens Bank Park on Friday.  Cristopher Sanchez battled through six innings for the Phillies, conceding two runs on four hits and three walks, while also committing two errors that added to the team's struggles.  Former Phillie Bailey Falter delivered a strong showing for the Pirates, pitching five innings and giving up only one run on four hits while striking out four without issuing a walk ..read more

The Phillies are set to debut their newly revealed City Connect uniform this Friday as they face the Pirates at Citizens Bank Park.  Philadelphia kicked off the series with a convincing 5-1 victory in the opener on Thursday, featuring impressive home runs from Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, and Bryson Stott.  Left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sanchez will take the mound for the Phillies, aiming to bounce back from his last start where he gave up three runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings. So far this season, opponents are hitting .289 against him.  On the other side, the Pirates will ..read more

Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott blasted two-run homers, with Alec Bohm adding a solo shot to power the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday night.    Ranger Suárez, with an impressive performance of eight strikeouts over six shutout innings, guided the Phillies to a strong start in their 10-game homestand, featuring matchups against the Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox.    Bohm, who hadn't hit any homers this season after a 20-homer performance last year, launched his first against Pirates' sta ..read more