PHOTOS: North all-stars get strong pitching and defense for win over South

The North all-star players and coaches celebrate after Tuesday’s win. (Photo: OC Sports Zone, Tom Connolly).

The North all-stars displayed dazzling pitching and defense to defeat the South all-stars 4-1 Tuesday night at the 2022 Kiwanis Club of Anaheim Orange County All-Star game at Glover Stadium.

Eight North hurlers limited the South to six hits and combined for 11 strikeouts while the defense dazzled with several web gems.

North’s pitcher and third baseman Myles Johnson (Katella) was selected as the game’s MVP. Johnson doubled, walked, stole a base, scored his team’s first two runs and pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning that included two strikeouts to capture the MVP Award of the 54^th Annual All Star game.  

“It’s so great and unbelievable to win the MVP award of this game,” said Johnson. “We had so much fun. This group of guys are special. I had a little bit of nerves at the beginning of the game, but after the first couple pitches I settled down and I was fine.”

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

The South’s defense was equally exceptional, including Drew Barrett’s remarkable over the fence catch while on the dead run in left center field. On the play, Barrett, from Trabuco Hills, robbed Servite’s Agustin Gutierrez of a home run to lead off the top of the fifth inning. Barrett was awarded the Mr. Hustle Award following the game.

“I was locked in on every pitch tonight,” said Barrett. “As I was running after the fly ball, I was yelling to my left fielder ‘how much room do I have,’ but he didn’t say anything, so I just kept running and took control and made the catch.”

Johnson doubled with two outs for the North in the second inning. He then advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a passed ball to give the North a 1-0 lead.

In the fourth, Johnson walked, stole second and went to third on a single by Servite’s Mikiah Negrete’s and then he scored when Johnny Morales (Pacifica) legged out a grounder, avoiding a double play, and upping the North’s lead to 2-0. 

Matthew Deutsch of Capo Valley had an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning to cut the North’s lead to 2-1.

Justin Cabada (Brea Olinda) added an RBI single and Darian Choi (Sunny Hills) had an RBI ground out in the eighth as the North pushed across two insurance runs. Matt Flores (La Habra) pitched the ninth inning, and although he allowed two baserunners, he was able to retire Sean McCance (Woodbridge) on a line drive to left field to end the game and secure the North’s win.

Segerstrom was represented by Zander Bretza who was 1 for 3 and Bruno Banuelos, who allowed a run in an inning of work on the mound.

Both coaches said the experience of the game outweighed the outcome.

“This was fun, it’s amazing how much talent and how well coached these kids are,” said Jack Brooks, coach of La Habra. “It’s a blast and a blessing to be invited. I’m so thankful to the Kiwanis Club.”

The South’s coach Kevin McCaffrey felt similar to his counterpart.

“This is  a special game, you can see the difference in these kids when they step on the field,” said McCaffrey, coach of Corona del Mar. “The pitching and defense is outstanding and they play on another level. It’s a great experience for me and the coaches to be a part of it.”

McCaffrey was assisted by Segerstrom’s Erasmo Ramirez and Ocean View’s Tanner VanMaanen.

Brooks was assisted by Rich Lodding of Sonora and Matt Stine of Yorba Linda.

Click here for an additional photo gallery.

RELATED: Anaheim’s Jillian Albayati cheers on the North.

—Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone