SANTA CLARA, CA - After dropping the first matchup on Saturday afternoon, the North squad rattled off a victory on Saturday night and carried the momentum into Sunday morning to defeat the South 5-3 and capture the California Baseball Coaches Association Junior Showcase Title. The series victory is the second straight for the North, and a nice touch for all the proud dads in the stands watching their sons play on Father’s Day.
Valley Christian’s Mark Quinby got the North offense rolling with a leadoff double in the top of the second, and then advanced to third base on a wild pitch. After a walk from Clovis West’s John Schafer, Elk Grove’s Carlos Mosely singled in Quinby, and the North took a 1-0 lead. Schafer, who also took home North team MVP honors, scored later in the inning on a two out infield single by Buchanan’s Zach Ashford, making the score 2-0 in the second.
“It feels great. We’re looking for opportunities like this all the time and this is one of the best opportunities to play against this type of competition,” said Quinby of the experience. “It was amazing. We were spoiled out here.”
St. Ignatius’ catcher Robert Emery was another West Catholic and Central Coast Section player present at the showcase. Emery was a core part of the North’s three-run fourth inning that extended the lead to 5-0.
After a leadoff single from Schafer and a hit by pitch to Mosely, Emery singled into left field to score Schafer, extending the lead 3-0. Mosely advanced to third and Emery to second on the throw in from left field, putting more runners in scoring position.
Franklin-Elk Grove's Isaiah Engman and Buchanan’s Zach Ashford followed with back-to-back base hits to score Mosely and Emery, putting three quick runs on the board for the North. The 5-0 lead was one that the South would not overcome.
“It was just fun overall, getting to meet the guys. Anytime you’re playing with the best guys around, it’s a great experience,” said Emery. “Good competition all around, it was a great time.”
Emery went 1-for-2 with a sac bunt in addition to his RBI base hit and run scored; Quinby’s day included a hit by pitch in his 1-for-3 effort at the plate. Valley Christian infielder Kyle Marinconz had the toughest day at the plate going 0-for-5, but was still happy with the experience.
“It’s fun playing with these guys and staying in the hotel. They’re all a bunch of good guys, and we’re all trying to compete and get a win,” said Marinconz. “It’s a college experience. You get out there and hang with a bunch of guys. We just bonded and I think that’s what helped us get the big win today.”
In addition to a solid offensive performance, the North squad was also slightly more dominant on the mound. Buchanan’s Connor Loeprich started for Northern California and only allowed three hits in three innings of work, striking out three.
Fresno’s Joshua Acosta and Vacaville’s Blake Hannah split the final six innings, combining for three runs (one earned) on six hits, three walks, and four strikeouts.
Following the game, Archbishop Mitty’s Kris Bubic was honored with the Most Outstanding Player award at the showcase. Bubic pitched five shutout innings in Saturday afternoon’s opener, but came away with a no-decision in the 3-0 loss.
“I just came out and tried to do what I do best: throw strikes, pound the zone, trust the defense behind me,” said Bubic. “I couldn’t win this without the great team we had, the great defense, the great everything. It’s such an honor to play with these guys.”
The only other player representing the Bay Area in the showcase was Lowell-San Francisco's Craig Colen, a 6-3, 185 pound right-handed pitcher. His coach John Donohue was also recognized by the CBCA this weekend for eclipsing the 700-win mark this season during his 32 years at the helm of the Lowell program.
