By Scott Zolotorow
BETHESDA, MD — The 2014 Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game was a pitcher’s duel to say the least as the South defeated the North 2-1 at Shirley Povich Field, the home of the Bethesda Big Train. The South squad won the game despite managing only two hits in the ballgame. That first hit didn’t come until Big Train second baseman Brandon Lowe (Maryland) came up in the seventh inning with Big Train outfielder Logan Farrar (VCU) on first after drawing a walk.
Previously to the seventh inning, the North pitchers only yielded two base runners, one on an error and one by walk. After Lowe’s single, him and Farrar used a double-steal to give the South their first two runners in scoring position. A couple of RBI groundouts by Gaithersburg Giants first baseman Brandon Grove (Catonsville Community) and FCA Herndon Braves outfielder Ky Parrott (James Madison) gave the South the 2-1 lead.
The North squad’s pitching with the exception of the seventh inning was sensational. Youse’s Orioles pitcher Octavio Rodriguez (Navarro College) and Baltimore Redbirds Nolan Riggs (Sam Houston State) both racked up two strikeouts in their inning of work. The North All-Stars also had a good night at the plate. Redbirds infielder Jamal Wade (Maryland), Thunderbolts outfielder Jason Baytop Jr. (St. Augustine’s) and Aces’ third baseman Josh Swirchak (Wilmington University) all doubled in the game. Swirchak’s third inning double scored his teammate JD Long (Western Carolina) to give the north the 1-0 lead.
The South’s pitching staff allowed eight hits throughout the game but after the North scored in the third inning, they shut the door. The South’s staff combined for ten strikeouts led by Giants Ty Culbreth (Texas), Braves John Yoest (William & Mary), and River Dogs Dennis Mikush (UMBC) who all notched two.
With his single in the seventh, Brandon Lowe was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player. Lowe, who was named a freshman all-american for his outstanding play with the Terps, said “It’s pretty amazing, playing as hard as you can in your first year can pay off.”
The event was more about the experience than the game itself as these 50 players all earned a spot against some of the best players in college baseball. Ky Parrott said, “It’s an honor to be playing in this league and to make the All-Star game, especially since we are changing our games with the wood bats with these great players.”
Chris Bzozowski (Keystone College) of the Youse’s Orioles won the Home Run Derby by hitting five. “It’s an awesome experience to be able to compete with the best college baseball players,” said Bzozowski. The event was a big success and was watched by over 20 scouts from major league teams.
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