Merced County baseball players showcase their skills in all-star game
It was an opportunity to play ball under the lights for many local athletes as the North edged the South 13-9 in the 11th annual Merced County All-Star Baseball Game on Saturday night at Memorial Ballpark in Atwater.
Both offenses took advantage of pitchers struggling with control most of the night.
Los Banos catcher Chase Wilson was named the North MVP after collecting hits in his first two at-bats. Wilson doubled in a run in the second inning and singled in his second at-bat.
“Everyone comes out to have fun, but we’re still here to play the game as hard as we can,” Wilson said. “To get two hits against some of the best pitchers from the other side is awesome.”
Stone Ridge Christian’s Logan Mooneyham and Sonora’s Jared Whitney were named co-MVP’s for the South team. Both players collected two hits and Whitney stole two bases.
Buhach Colony sophomore Cooper Lanz and Thunder senior Julien Natividad both came into the game in relief and pitched out of bases-loaded situations in the game to help the North pick up the win.
Natividad also tripled earlier in the game.
“This was really fun,” said Buhach Colony senior Daniel Murphy, who singled and scored in the first inning. “I didn’t think we were going to have the game. This is my first all-star game in my high school career so I wasn’t going to pass it up.”
The North featured players from Atwater, Buhach Colony, Los Banos, Hilmar, Pacheco, Gustine and Livingston.
The South was comprised of players from Merced, Golden Valley, El Capitan, Dos Palos, Mariposa, Stone Ridge Christian and Sonora.
The North now leads the all-time series 8-3.
“It’s a blast,” Wilson said. “To get together with all the guys you played against during the year. To come together at the end of the year is just a great experience all around.”
