PBR Illinois Player of the Week: Luke Stulga
April 12, 2023
No. 2 St. Laurence is one of the more dangerous teams in the state, already off to an impressive 10-3 start with one of the more difficult schedules under their belt. One of the main producers in the Vikings’ lineup has been OF Luke Stulga (2023; Illinois State), and he shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Over a four game stretch last week Stulga went 9-for-12 with a home run, two triples, five doubles, three RBIs and five runs scored.
For his outstanding efforts and performance, Stulga has been named this week’s PBR Illinois Player of the Week. St. Laurence traveled to Las Vegas to participate in the Bishop Gorman All-Faith Tournament, hosting some of the top high school teams in the country and ultimately the high-level of competition helped push Stulga's performance to the top of the list. Laurence finished the week at a 2-2 clip against premier competition, and Stulga was far and away the driving factor in the Vikings’ success; going 9-for-12 with a home run, two triples, five doubles, three RBIs and five runs scored.
The Vikings won game one by the score of 4-0 over Regis Jesuit (CO), with Stulga finishing the day at a 2-for-3 clip with a home run, double, RBI and two runs scored.
Stulga then went on to lead the Vikings to a 13-1 victory over Vauxhall (Alberta, Canada); finishing the game at a perfect 3-for-3 clip with a triple, two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored.
St. Laurence dropped their final two games of the tournament to Bishop Gorman (NV) 6-2 and Bishop Moeller (OH) 10-2; with both teams holding the No. 1 position in their respective states. In the loss to Gorman, Stulga finished the day 2-for-3 with a triple and a double - while in the loss the Moeller, he went 2-for-3 with a double, RBI and run scored.
Stulga is no stranger to our scouting staff, as he is currently ranked No. 28 in the state. Listed at an athletic, upside 6-foot-3, 190-pounds, Stulga was a standout performer from this past winter’s Preseason ProCase. He put his entire skillset on display; posting a 6.87 60-time, 88 mph outfield velocity, 99 mph exit velocity and 14.4 power/speed score. He's already shown well in front of our scouting staff this spring in-game, and he will surely look to continue his strong play and help the Vikings to a deep playoff push down the stretch.
Scouting Report
Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 6-3, 190-pounds. Well-proportioned, athletic build with developing strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, balanced, simple toe-tap into a minimal stride. Minimal wasted movement throughout. Direct hands, repeats and showed above-average feel for the barrel throughout. Gets extension at times and looks to elevate baseballs into the pull-side gap.
Power: 99 max exit velocity, averaged 91.7 mph. 346’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 88 mph. Clean arm action, ball plays easy out of the hand, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays light on his feet with a quick first step. Bouncy defender, ranges with ease, sure-hands and clean, efficient transfer.
Run: 6.87 runner in the 60.