Top Draft prospect Franco shines as US twirls no-hitter in DIBAT tourney
Ben Weinrib
@benweinribNoah Franco entered the year as one of the top prep Draft prospects in the nation, and he has once again proved his mettle on the international stage.
Representing the U.S. at the DRD International Baseball Academies Tournament in Puerto Rico, Franco combined with four other IMG Academy teammates to throw a seven-inning no-hitter during an 8-0 win over the Dominican Republic on Sunday.
Franco, who is MLB Pipeline's No. 23 Draft prospect and fifth high schooler, struck out four across three innings while showing off a five-pitch arsenal (four-seam, two-seam, slider, cutter, changeup) and picking up three of his K's swinging. His sweeping slider and fastball with arm-side movement were particularly effective.
This isn't the first strong DIBAT start for the lefty, either. In 2023, Franco struck out six across five no-hit innings to punch the U.S.'s ticket to the semifinals.
The TCU commit's arm figures to be a point of discussion this spring, as he's a true two-way talent. Although he hasn't yet taken a swing in DIBAT, he displays strong bat-to-ball skills and has room to grow into power with his 6-foot-3 frame. There's perhaps a slight preference to keep him in the outfield, but prep lefties are always in demand, and more outings like this could change evaluators' minds.
Punctuated by a strikeout from righty Peyton Miller, the U.S. moved to 2-0 in the DIBAT, with two more round-robin games to go before a four-team, single-elimination playoff. The U.S. can clinch a spot in the playoff with a win over Aruba on Tuesday.
Of course, pitchers weren't the only players making highlights on Sunday. Shortstop Jackson LaLima gave the U.S. all the scoring it would need in the second inning with an inside-the-park home run. The University of Houston commit ripped a liner to right-center-field that made it past the diving center fielder and rolled to the fence. LaLima turned on the burners and scored before the Dominican Republic could relay a throw home.
The U.S. will face Aruba on Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET and meet Canada on Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET. Both games will be streamed on YouTube.