A pair of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Drafts prospects — Jacob Wilson (No. 9) and Homer Bush Jr. (No. 88) — led the way for Grand Canyon University in a 12-4 win over UC San Diego. Wilson showed off his best Derek Jeter impersonation along the way while Bush flashed the tools that make him such a highly touted talent.
In the nightcap on MLB Network, Arizona’s T.J. Nichols outdueled potential No. 1 overall pick Chase Dollander of Tennessee as the Wildcats held on for a 3-1 victory. Nichols (No. 69) yielded a run on three hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings. Dollander (No. 2) allowed a pair of runs on three hits and a walk while fanning seven in 4 2/3 frames for the Volunteers.
There’s no better place to take in the action of some of the country’s top amateur talent in the MLB Desert Invitational than MLB Network and MLB.com. Three of the 13 showcase games during the weekend will be shown live on MLB Network, while two can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Here is the complete schedule for the weekend-long event (all times ET):
Saturday, Feb. 18
3 p.m.: Michigan vs. UC San Diego
3 p.m.: Arizona vs. Fresno State
8 p.m.: Grand Canyon vs. Tennessee**
Sunday, Feb. 19
2 p.m.: Tennessee vs. UC San Diego
3 p.m.: Fresno State vs. Michigan State
7 p.m.: Michigan vs. Grand Canyon**
8 p.m.: Michigan State vs. Arizona
Monday, Feb. 20
1 p.m.: Grand Canyon vs. Michigan State*
3 p.m.: UC San Diego vs. Arizona
Bold = Will be shown live on MLB Network
* = Will not be broadcast
** = Will be shown live on ESPN+
Dates, times and participants subject to change
This year’s MLB Desert Invitational (formerly known as “MLB 4”) is the fourth such event hosted by MLB in Arizona. The inaugural showcase in 2019 featured the collegiate debut of Kumar Rocker, who was eventually selected third overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2022 MLB Draft. Other notable participants over the years include current prospects Zack Gelof (Athletics), Austin Martin (Twins), Griff McGarry (Phillies) and Jordan Nwogu (Cubs).