Mississippi
Braves Minor League Recap: Lucas Braun tosses 6.2 innings for Mississippi
Only 1 of Atlanta’s minor league teams came away with a win on Saturday in what was a disappointing night of baseball. However, there were still plenty of performances to single out, so let’s get into it.
(48-52) Gwinnett Stripers 10, (46-54) Durham Bulls 5
- Sandy Leon, C: 2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
- Yuli Gurriel, 1B: 3-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R
- Brian Anderson, 3B: 1-4, 2B, RBI, R
- Ian Anderson, SP: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Box Score
Gwinnett was the only team to come away with a win on Friday, beating Durham by 5 runs.
Starter Ian Anderson didn’t have his best performance as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. Across 4.1 innings, Anderson allowed 7 hits and 2 walks on 4 runs while striking out 4 batters.
However, the Stripers took the first lead of the game in the top of the 2nd inning, plating 4 runs. Yuli Gurriel led off with a single before Brian Anderson doubled him home to make it 1-0 Gwinnett. Then, Luis Liberato singled home Anderson to make it a 2-0 game before Sandy Leon homered — the first of 2 on the night for him — to extend the lead to 4-0.
After Durham scored 1 run in each of the 2nd and 3rd innings, the Stripers got one of those runs back in the top of the 4th inning as Leon would launch a solo homer to extend the lead to 5-2. The Bulls would score in the home half to make it 5-3 before a Yuli Gurriel solo home run extended the lead to 6-3 for the Stripers.
After the Bulls scored twice in the home half of the 6th to cut the Gwinnett lead down to 1 run, the Stripers would pull away in the next half-inning.
Andrew Velazquez led off the top of the 7th with a single and proceeded to steal 2nd base before a J.P. Martinez sacrifice bunt moved him to 3rd. Alejo Lopez singled home Velazquez to extend the lead to 7-5. After an Eli White single, Yuli Gurriel homered for the 2nd time of the night to make it a 10-5 lead for the Stripers which would hold as the win for Gwinnett.
(45-48) Mississippi Braves 1, (51-43) Montgomery Biscuits 4
- Cody Milligan, CF: 1-4, RBI
- KeShawn Ogans, 3B: 1-4, R
- Lucas Braun, SP: 6.2 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 4 K
Box Score
Despite Lucas Braun tossing 6.2 solid innings for Mississippi on Friday night, the Braves ultimately fell as their offense failed to string together anything substantive in the 4-1 loss.
Both squads started off the game scoreless across the first 2 innings before the Biscuits broke through. In the bottom of the 3rd, Montgomery scored one run off of Mississippi starter Lucas Braun to take a 1-0 lead. Thankfully, that was the only damage Braun allowed on the night as he scattered 4 hits across 6.2 innings while striking out 4. With his performance, Braun lowered his season ERA to 2.76.
The Braves managed to tie things up in the top half of the 4th inning. KeShawn Ogans ledoff with a single and after Tyler Tolve grounded out to move Ogans up to second, Cody Milligan singled into left field to plate the third baseman and knot the game at 1-1.
However, that would be the only offense the Braves could muster on the night despite tallying the same amount of hits — 6 —- as Montgomery did on the night. Meanwhile Montgomery would score thrice more in the bottom of the 8th inning to hold on to beat Mississippi by a 4-1 final.
(45-47) Rome Emperors 5, (44-50) Brooklyn Cyclones 12
- Adam Zebrowski, C: 2-4, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, R
- E.J. Exposito, SS: 1-4, RBI
- Drew Compton, 1B: 1-4, RBI, R
- Luis Vargas, SP: 1.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB
Box Score
Rome didn’t stand much chance on Friday as their pitching staff didn’t give the offense much breathing room at any point and Brooklyn took advantage of that in their win.
Emperors’ starter Luis Vargas lasted just 1.2 innings in this one, allowing 5 runs — 2 earned — in the bottom of the 2nd inning as the Cyclones took a 5-0 lead over the Emperors. Reliever Tyree Thompson didn’t fare much better for Rome. While the offense was stifled — being held scoreless over the first 6 innings in this one — Thompson allowed an additional 4 runs as the Cyclones extended their lead to 9-0 over Rome in the bottom of the 4th frame.
Brooklyn would breach double digits in the bottom of the 6th, scoring twice more to make it a commanding 11-0 lead over the Emperors.
In the top of the 7th, Rome finally got on the board. After Ethan Workinger and Sabin Ceballos laced back-to-back singles to lead off the inning, Drew Compton notched a single of his own to plate Workinger and make it an 11-1 deficit for the Emperors. Later in the inning, Adam Zebrowksi would triple into right field which would score Ceballos and Drew Compton to make it an 11-3 game.
Rome would score once again in the top of the 8th as Carlos Arroyo — who doubled earlier in the inning — would score on a wild pitch to make it 11-4. However, Brooklyn would get that run back in the home half to extend their lead to 12-4. The Emperors would put up a bit of a fight in their final at-bat in the top of the 9th as an E.J. Exposito single scored Zebrowski to make it 12-5. However, that would be all the offense Rome would get as they ultimately fell by that tally.
(36-54) Augusta GreenJackets , (40-52) Myrtle Beach Pelicans (POSTPONED)
Mother Nature made her presence known on Friday, as Augusta’s contest was rained out and postponed.
(12-22) DSL Braves 3, (18-18) DSL Royals Ventura 2
- Juan Espinal, CF: 1-3, RBI, R, BB
- Juan Mateo, SS: 1-4, R
- Edward Cedano, SP: 3.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 5 BB, 2 K
Box Score
The DSL Braves got the day started off on the right foot, beating the DSL Royals Ventura squad by a 3-2 final.
In the top of the first inning, the Royals jumped out to a 1-0 lead as Braves starter Edward Cedano allowed 1 run after he issued three walks and a double in the inning. Despite the atrocious start, Cedano settled down and retired the Royals without allowing any further damage.
That would prove to be a big moment as the Braves took the lead in the home half of the frame. After Juan Mateo singled to lead off, Gabriel Cesa and Michael Martinez went down on strikes in back-to-back at-bats. Following a wild pitch that allowed Mateo to advance to third, Juan Espinal singled him home. Then, after Espinal advanced to second on a Manuel Dos Passos walk, both runners executed a double steal and Espinal scored on a throwing error to make it 2-1.
The Braves would tack on to their lead in the bottom of the third inning. Martinez was hit by a pitch with two outs and Espinal drew a walk to put a runner in scoring position. After another double steal, Martinez was waved home on a balk to extend the lead to 3-1 in favor of the Braves.
Things remained quiet from that point forward, at least until the 8th inning where the Royals plated 1 run to cut their deficit to 3-2. However, Braves’ 17-year-old reliever Yander Pinero would settle down and retire the Royals in the 9th inning to seal the win and get the save.
Mississippi
Death of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells under investigation
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Mississippi
Where Ace Reese, Mississippi State signees appear in latest MLB mock drafts
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball could have its first position player picked in the first round of the MLB draft since 2020.
That’s where star third baseman Ace Reese is ranked ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. He has two years of eligibility remaining but is not expected back with the Bulldogs because of his high draft ranking.
There are other draft outcomes that can impact MSU’s 2027 roster for coach Brian O’Connor’s second season. The draft begins July 11 (noon, NBC/Peacock) with Rounds 1-4 and continues July 12 with Rounds 5-20.
Here’s a look at where Mississippi State players are ranked for the draft, including high school signees.
MLB draft rankings for Ace Reese, other Mississippi State players
MLB.com’s list of the top 250 prospects has Reese at No. 18. He’s the highest-ranked third baseman. USA Today’s mock draft predicts the Miami Marlins to select Reese with the No. 14 pick, which has a slot value of nearly $5.5 million.
If Reese is picked in the top 10, he’d be Mississippi State’s first top 10 pick since Paul Maholm in 2003.
The only other Mississippi State player in MLB.com’s top 250 is relief pitcher Ben Davis at No. 232. Davis does not have any college eligibility remaining.
That does not mean there won’t be more MSU players drafted. MSU has two starters in particular, catcher Kevin Milewski and outfielder Aidan Teel, who are draft eligible. If they are drafted, they’ll have to decide whether to sign with the pro team or return to Mississippi State. Relief pitcher Maddox Webb is in the same situation.
None of Mississippi State’s incoming transfers are ranked as top 250 draft prospects.
Mississippi State baseball signees rankings for MLB draft
Mississippi State has the No. 6 recruiting class, according to Perfect Game, and there are many players who are draft risks.
Eight of the signees are ranked inside MLB.com’s top 250 with four in the top 100.
Catcher Will Brick is the top signee at No. 46 after reclassifying to the 2026 class. Shortstop Rocco Maniscalco is just behind him at No. 49, followed by pitchers Landon Brown (No. 77) and Denton Lord (No. 80).
Other signees in the top 250 are pitcher Wilson Andersen (No. 111), outfielder Martin Shelar (No. 175), pitcher Jake Carbaugh (No. 203) and shortstop Noah Danza (No. 239).
Last summer, Mississippi State got signees Jack Bauer and Jacob Parker to turn down the MLB draft and play for the Bulldogs. Bauer was ranked as the No. 44 prospect and Parker, who turned into a freshman All-American, was No. 109.
The deadline for draftees to sign contracts with pro teams is July 27 at 4 p.m. CT.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
Mississippi
Ben Crump seeks independent autopsy in Nolan Wells death
Mississippi teen found dead on Horn Island. Investigation is ongoing
Authorities ID’d a body found on Horn Island as Mississippi teen Nolan Wells, who went missing on July 4. Deputies are investigating what happened.
Attorney Ben Crump says Nolan Xavier Wells’ family is pursuing an independent autopsy. Investigators continue working to determine what happened to the 18-year-old after his body was found on Horn Island this week.
Wells, 18, went missing on Saturday, July 4, after taking a boat to the island with friends. A body was found Monday, ending a two-day search.
Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd told the Sun Herald on Tuesday that the body was identified as Wells. The State Medical Examiner’s Office used dental records to confirm his identity. Officials did not release his cause of death.
In an exclusive interview with Don Lemon on Wednesday, Crump said the body was being flown to Washington, D.C., for a medical examiner to study.
Wells’ disappearance led to an outpouring of prayers, volunteer efforts and community support. By Wednesday morning, a GoFundMe to help the family had raised more than $237,000.
There are still many questions about why Wells was on the island after the boat with his high school friends left. What happened before his death remains unclear.
On Tuesday, his family hired nationally known civil rights attorney Crump and his team to help them find answers in the case.
What was Nolan Wells’ cause of death?
Crump said the second autopsy will find out “if he had any physical injuries to his body beyond drowning.” He was unaware of the physical condition of the body at the time of the interview.
The remains were being flown to Washington on Wednesday. Crump said his team expects the results on Friday.
Crump said investigators in Mississippi have not given them information about the state’s autopsy.
Crump says family is living in a nightmare
Crump told Lemon the family is living in a nightmare, and they still have many questions about the young man’s death.
He was clear, however, that his investigation is still in very early stages and they are not sure yet if they will find signs of foul play. If they do, he said, they will work with local law enforcement and the state if there’s anyone who should face criminal charges.
According to the attorney, the sheriff’s office has not shared information with the family about what happened and whether the sheriff’s office suspects criminal behavior.
“There’s no information that we have right now that would lead us to believe that a crime has occurred,” Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told ABC News earlier this week.
He said the family has concerns about “inconsistencies” including texts deleted from Wells’ phone. They don’t want Wells’ death to be called an accident and swept under the rug if it wasn’t.
Crump said Wells had a tryout to play Division I football on Monday. The teen was reportedly avoiding substances that could affect his performance. His family said he was an extraordinary athlete and strong swimmer.
There was allegedly an argument on the island, Crump said. Now, Wells’ family isn’t accepting that his death could be a coincidence.
Lemon asked if they knew what the argument was and if Wells and his group were involved. Crump said they have an investigator talking to Wells’ friends. He plans to share the information when the issue becomes clear.
Crump said investigation, not speculation, is the goal.
Questions remain after Horn Island death
Ledbetter said the county’s investigation is still active.
According to reporting from TMZ, the sheriff’s office was investigating a video shared on social media that appears to show people arguing on Horn Island on the holiday. It’s unclear if the footage, which shows a crowded beach, is related to the case.
Crump and his legal team are planning their independent review. They have committed to urging “the timely release of all records, witness accounts, and autopsy findings.”
What investigators know so far
Wells was reported missing over the holiday weekend after traveling to Horn Island with friends on July 4. The barrier island is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Wells, who also went by Nono, was last seen on the northwest tip of Horn Island on the afternoon of Saturday, July 4. He did not come back to the mainland with his group, and his mom reported him missing that night.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office led a search on land and water Sunday and Monday. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, National Park Service employees and the U.S. Coast Guard helped with the search. The United Cajun Navy and other volunteers also worked to find Wells.
His mother, Christine Wonsley, said during the search that she and his father had received Wells’ phone. Location tracking wasn’t an option while they looked for him.
A park ranger found the body Monday morning. The identification was confirmed Tuesday following an autopsy.
Investigators are still trying to determine why he didn’t leave the island and who he was with. They’re limiting the information released at this time as deputies work to find witnesses and collect evidence.
Authorities seek witnesses, photos and video
Ledbetter issued a statement saying rumors, commentary and unchecked information spreading on social media have been a challenge in the investigation.
Deputies need to speak to people who were at Horn Island. They’re also looking for original photos, video or sound recordings.
They are asking anyone who saw or heard an “argument, disturbance or other unusual activity” on the island to come forward.
Call 228-769-3065 during regular business hours or 228-769-3063 after hours if you have firsthand information about the case.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@usatodayco.com.
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