McGinnis, Elliot Claim Player of the Week Honors with Standout Week 2 Performances

By Ellie Rand

The second week of the 2026 Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League showcased another round of impressive performances, but Alexandria Aces outfielder Daniel McGinnis (Undecided) and Metro South County Braves left-handed pitcher Gavin Elliot (Marymount) stood above the rest.

McGinnis earned Hitter of the Week honors. Elliot was selected as the league’s Pitcher of the Week.

McGinnis Powers Aces’ Offense

McGinnis continued his scorching start to the summer and established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous hitters during this past week of play.

The Alexandria left fielder hit .625 (10-for-16) during the week, leading the league in batting average while posting a 1.125 slugging percentage. He collected 10 hits, eight runs batted in, two home runs, and 18 total bases in four games, reaching base at a .647 clip.

The impressive week only added to what has already been a remarkable summer. Through just 11 games, McGinnis leads the CRSCBL in hits (24), RBIs (15), total bases (33), batting average (.558), and slugging percentage (.767). His .612 on-base percentage places him among the circuit’s most consistent offensive threats.

McGinnis opened the week with a dominant showing against the D.C. Grays on June 9. Batting in the heart of the Aces lineup, he went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in Alexandria’s 19-7 offensive explosion.

His first significant moment came in the opening inning when he advanced into scoring position and later crossed the plate on Matthew Pazak’s (UPenn) RBI triple. An inning later, McGinnis lined a run-scoring double into right field to extend the Aces’ lead and fuel an early offensive surge.

Four days later, when facing the Metro South County Braves, McGinnis delivered one of the league’s most complete performances of the week. The Virginia native reached base in all three at-bats, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs, two runs scored, and a towering solo home run.

After notching a third-inning, run-scoring single, McGinnis broke the game open in the fifth inning, launching a solo shot to left field. He later scored during a four-run third inning and helped Alexandria build a lead that held up in a 14-11 victory.

The outfielder saved his strongest effort for Sunday against the Southern Maryland Senators.

After Alexandria fell behind 4-0 early, McGinnis sparked the comeback. He doubled home a run in the fifth inning to cut the deficit before adding an RBI single during the Aces’ five-run sixth inning. An inning later, with two runners aboard, McGinnis hammered a two-run single to center field to provide crucial insurance runs as the Aces took the lead.

He finished the afternoon 3-for-5, totaling a double and four RBIs as Alexandria dug itself out of the early slump and secured a 13-7 victory.

Clearly, McGinnis has become the centerpiece of the Aces’ offense. 

Elliot Shines in Complete Start

Elliot delivered arguably the best pitching performance of the young season.

The Marymount southpaw earned a victory in his lone appearance on June 11 against the Senators. He tossed seven strong innings, allowing just two runs on two hits while striking out five.

The left-hander established command, retiring six of the first seven hitters he faced while allowing just one baserunner through the opening two innings.

Elliot concluded the outing with a 2.57 ERA for the week and held opposing hitters to a microscopic .095 batting average.

Metro South County’s offense provided Elliot with plenty of run support, but the starter never relaxed. He attacked the strike zone throughout the evening, throwing 55 strikes on 83 pitches and consistently forcing weak contact.

The only damage against him came via a pair of solo home runs. James Carlson (Youngstown State) connected for a solo shot in the fifth inning before Luke Nogalski (UPenn) added another in the seventh. Outside of those swings, Southern Maryland struggled to generate any offense or string together any runs against the Braves’ left-hander.

One of Elliot’s biggest tests came in the sixth inning. After a walk created a potential scoring opportunity, he settled down to retire the next three hitters to preserve a four-run lead and maintain control of the game.

By the time Elliot exited after seven innings, he had allowed only two hits through 24 batters. His efficient outing gave the Braves momentum and helped secure a key 6-5 victory.

Elliot issued only two walks, worked efficiently through seven innings, and consistently stayed ahead in counts. His ability to limit contact and keep runners off the bases made him the league’s most effective pitcher during Week 2.