Saturday’s 20th annual Ryan Lemon Showcase Foundation at Ryan Lemmon Stadium displayed some of the best high school baseball talent in Orange County. The game was dominated by pitching and the Trinity League all stars squeaked out a 2-1 victory over the Sunset League all-stars.
However, when it was all said and done, the players and coaches alike seemed to value the experience of playing in a game of this nature and less in the outcome.
“It’s the last time I get to coach Kaz (Akamatsu) and Leo (Hyodo),” said Edison coach Cameron Chinn. “The kids get to showcase their skills and I really enjoy the carefree atmosphere. The outcome of the game is secondary.”
Huntington Beach High coach Benji Medure agreed and valued the experience as well.
“It’s one last time we get to coach these guys; it’s special,” said Medure.
Aaron Simpson’s RBI single in the sixth inning upped the Trinity League all stars lead to 2-0.
Jake Genova (Newport Harbor) came within a few feet of giving the Sunset League the lead in the home half of the sixth, however his long fly was hauled in at the base of the right center field fence and cut the lead to 2-1 with a sacrifice fly.
Isaac Lopez, the eighth Trinity League pitcher of the game, got the final out in the seventh inning to secure the win.
Eleven of the 17 Sunset League all-stars heralded from Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley high schools.
Representing Huntington Beach were Chad Minato, JJ Muratore and Mitchell Kovary; Edison High’s players were Leo Hyodo and Kaz Akamatsu; Marina’s players were Griffin Hennessey, Will Pingle, Matt Clark, Joseph Waked and Riley Ohl and while Fountain Valley was represented by Wyatt McGinnis.
Minato had a hit and a walk in three at bats, Hennessey had a hit and a stolen base in three at bats and Pingle had a walk in two at bats. Kovary, Clark and Akamatsu each hurled one inning apiece.
Hyodo was the only player in the game to have multiple hits and Ohl, who is headed to pitch at the University of Reno, Nevada, was the only pitcher to throw more than one inning.
“I wasn’t nervous,” said Hyodo, who singled in both of his at bats. “It’s a loose atmosphere but you still want to win.”
“It’s fun to compete against my friends whom I’ve played against all season,” said Ohl. “It’s been a great experience and I’m looking forward to competing at the next level.”
Prior to the game, Pingle was presented a $500 scholarship for his academic and baseball achievements.
“It’s an honor and you take pride in this game,” Pingle said.
“This type of a game has a different mentality,” said Marina coach Robert Marshall. “It’s fun for the kids and they build a bond with the other players.”
