River Run Fall Open: Scout Blog
October 5, 2026
NORTHPORT, AL - The PBT River Run Fall Open was held at River Run Park in Northport, Alabama, from October 3-4, bringing together several teams from across the region for a competitive weekend of fall baseball. Featuring 13U-16U divisions, the event provided players with an opportunity to compete against quality opponents while continuing to build momentum heading into the heart of the fall schedule.
Over two days of action, teams battled through pool play and bracket competition, showcasing a talented collection of prospects from across Alabama and neighboring states. With Prep Baseball staff on hand throughout the event, the tournament served as an important evaluation opportunity while also highlighting many of the players who are poised for strong summers on the travel circuit. As always, River Run Park provided a tremendous setting for high-level competition, with numerous standout performances emerging throughout the weekend.
+ View results from the River Run Fall Open here.
River Run Fall Open: Scout Blog 📒
+ OF Leyton West (Birmingham Stars, 2030) West impressed throughout the weekend with a smooth left-handed stroke and consistent gap-to-gap approach. Showed quality barrel feel and the ability to use the entire field, highlighted by a triple driven into the left-center gap on Saturday. A well-rounded offensive profile with consistent contact ability and solid speed that adds another dimension to his game.
OF Leyton West (Birmingham Stars, 2030) Absolutely beautiful swing from Leyton West! The smooth left-handed stroke and gap-to-gap approach are on full display as he hammers this one into left-center for a triple. #RRFallOpen || @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/XktA8iW6fI
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 3, 2026
+ RHP Zach Richardson (Excel Blue Wave 16U, 2029) Richardson turned in a dominant start on Saturday, working five no-hit innings while allowing just one earned run and striking out six. Consistently kept hitters off balance with the ability to mix and command multiple pitches in the strike zone. Showed impressive pitchability throughout the outing, limiting hard contact and controlling at-bats from start to finish.
+ C Dylan Harcrow (Birmingham Stars, 2030) Harcrow continues to impress each time we get a look, with his combination of bat speed and power standing out offensively. Brings plenty of intent through the zone and consistently competes in the box, making him a tough out each time he steps to the plate. Behind the dish, shows quality defensive ability with present arm strength, while his leadership and presence at the catcher position continue to stand out.
C Dylan Harcrow (Birmingham Stars, 2030) Harcrow crushes a stand-up triple to get some runs on the board early! Sticking with a gap-to-gap approach, he drives this one into right-center. #RRFallOpen || @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/9MJLDnRy2z
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 3, 2026
+ CINF Caden Kappler (Birmingham Stars, 2030) Kappler immediately stands out with an impressive frame and advanced physicality for the 2030 class. Offensively, showed quick barrel speed with the ability to impact the baseball and produce loud contact. At the hot corner, displayed quality defensive actions and the tools to handle the position. An intriguing young prospect with plenty of upside who will be one to follow closely over the next several years.
3B Caden Kappler (Birmingham Stars, 2030) Lean athletic frame with big time pop and quality hand control. Kappler pieces this one to left for a single. #RRFallOpen || @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/M2c5zWPfRT
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 3, 2026
+ 3B Justin Lewis (Tuscaloosa Heat, 2028) Lewis consistently produced loud contact throughout the weekend and continues to look the part of a future college hitter. The physical 6-foot-4, 200-pound corner infielder showed the ability to impact the baseball with authority, with nearly every plate appearance on Sunday resulting in hard contact or a productive outcome. With present strength and impressive exit velocity, Lewis is a 2028 bat for college programs to follow closely.
3B Justin Lewis(2028), Tuscaloosa Heat Lewis Just Misses one as he drives a Fastball to the Fence for a Loud Flyout. Large Frame that provides serious power. #RRFallOpen ll @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/5u3bYMqs0T
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 4, 2026
+ SS Layton McCants (Excel Blue Wave, 2030) McCants impressed during Sunday’s action before play was shortened due to weather. The young shortstop possesses a highly projectable frame with a consistent swing and plenty of room for continued physical development. An intriguing 2030 prospect with considerable upside who will be one to follow at Chelsea over the next four years.
Ss Layton Mccants(2030), Excel Blue Wave. @ExcelBaseball Mccants is able to use a simple approach and muscle one out to CF for an RBI-Single. Projectable Frame for the Freshman. #RRFallOpen ll @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/XPtt0FM26a
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 4, 2026
+ SS DJ McGruder (Tuscaloosa Heat, 2028) McGruder made his presence felt throughout Sunday, consistently producing hard contact in each trip to the plate. Features a unique setup but generates serious bat speed and power through the zone, giving him the ability to impact the baseball with authority. Also showed athleticism and speed on the bases while making key defensive plays, helping the Heat secure a hard-fought extra-inning victory.
Ss Dj McGruder(2028), Tuscaloosa Heat. McGruder continues to see it well and pounds one into Left for a 2-out RBI single to even the game. Powerful approach. #RRFallOpen ll @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/lMpNsx2PCc
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 4, 2026
+ 1B Jack Powers (USA Prime Alabama Scout, 2030) Powers turned in an impressive performance against The Right Way Baseball, going 2-for-2 with a run scored. Jumped on the first pitch of his opening at-bat for an RBI double off the wall before following it up with a hard line-drive single up the middle. Showed present gap-to-gap power and consistent barrel feel throughout the tournament while also providing steady defense at first base.
1B Jack Powers (USA Prime Alabama Scout, 2030) Continues to stay hot at the plate with a great swing to drive this pitch right up the middle for his 2nd hit of the game #RRFallOpen || @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/nMNAfg068Z
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 3, 2026
+ 2B Harrison Bagwell (Auburn Baseball Club, 2030) Bagwell put together a strong all-around performance against Vestavia Baseball Club, going 2-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored while playing quality defense at second base. Set the tone from the leadoff spot with a line-drive single up the middle in the first and continued to find barrels throughout the game. Quick hands and quality bat speed allow him to spray line drives to all fields, showing an intriguing offensive profile for the 2030 class.
2B Harrison Bagwell (Auburn Baseball Club, 2030) Rips a line drive up the middle to lead off the 1st, showing off some great bat speed #RRFallOpen || @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/GYDO73y7IP
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 3, 2026
+ OF Tyson Owens (The Right Way, 2030) Owens put together a standout day, consistently producing at the plate with quick hands and quality bat speed. Showed plenty of athleticism in the outfield, using his speed and range to cover significant ground. Delivered his biggest moment in game one, coming through with a walk-off RBI single to secure a 6-5 win.
OF Tyson Owens (The Right Way, 2030) Owen’s knocks a single down the left field line to score 1 and walk off the game as time expires. #RRFallOpen || @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/FIjEOlPW1U
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 4, 2026
+ SS Wells Alexander (OBC Bandits Scout, 2030) Alexander made an impact on both sides of the ball with a strong showing at the plate and in the field. Came through in a key late-game situation, driving a ball to the left-field fence for a stand-up RBI double to tie the game. Also provided quality defense throughout the day, making several plays in important situations.
SS Wells Alexander (OBC Bandits Scout, 2030) Alexander knocks one to deep left field for an rbi double to tie the game. He later came in to score the leading run. #RRFallOpen || @PrepBaseballAL https://t.co/RWiT0rcQPa
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) October 4, 2026
UPCOMING SHOWCASES ⤵️
| SHOWCASE | DATE | LOCATION |
| South Alabama Fall ID | October 11, 2026 | Orange Beach Sportsplex |
| Alabama Fall Games | October 18, 2026 | Northridge High School |
| Birmingham Fall ID | November 1, 2026 | Pelham High School |
UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS ⤵️
| TOURNAMENT | DATE | LOCATION | AGES |
| HammerTime Classic (Sun. Only) | October 11, 2026 | River Run Park | 9U-16U |
| GameChanger Championship (Sat. Only) | October 17, 2026 | River Run Park | 9U-12U |
| River Run Fall Championship | October 17-18, 2026 | River Run Park | 13U-17/18U |
| GameChanger Championship (Sun. Only) | October 18, 2026 | River Run Park | 9U-14U |
| Oktoberfest Classic (Sun. Only) | October 25, 2026 | River Run Park | 9U-16U |
| River Run Monster Costume Smash (Sat. Only) | October 31, 2026 | River Run Park | 7U-15U |
| River Run Monster Smash (Sun. Only) | November 1, 2026 | River Run Park | 9U-14U |
+ View All Alabama Tournaments
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