Boys’ Latin’s Mark Lopez helps lead North squad to Brooks Robinson All-Star Game victory

The Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches (MSABC) hosted its annual Brooks Robinson All-Star Game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday evening.

The top seniors from across the state had the opportunity to play in a big-league park, and they didn’t disappoint.

The North scored two runs in the top of the seventh to break the tie, and three outs later, clinched the 3-1 victory against the South.

Here are some highlights:

From MIAA title to Camden Yards

Boys’ Latin’s Mark Lopez celebrated a Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association ‘B’ Conference title May 18. He cherished the moment – thinking it would be his last game. But an email changed that.

“I was ecstatic,” Lopez said after learning he’d be playing in Sunday’s contest. “Ever since I was a freshman, I dreamed of playing in this game and I’m happy to say that dream has come true.”

This wasn’t Lopez’s first time stepping foot on a major league diamond. Two years ago, the infielder participated in the President’s Cup, an All-Star Game at Camden Yards for top public and private high school players.

“Anytime you get to play in a ballpark like Camden Yards, you make memories you never forget,” said Lopez. “This time, however, I am even more excited as I know the competition will be at the highest level.”

Prior to this evening’s game, the Johns Hopkins University commit said he was playing with house money – trying to have fun and contribute to the North team.

He did both. Lopez reached base during all three of his plate appearances, including a leadoff triple in the third. For his efforts Lopez (pictured above, second to left) was named the North’s Most Outstanding Hitter. Arundel’s Mack McKisson (pictured above, second from right) was the South’s Most Outstanding Hitter.

“It was a lot of fun,” Lopez said. “I didn’t expect coming in to play all seven innings, which was awesome.”

Dulaney infielder showcases power in last at-bat

Dulaney’s Drew Bossi stepped up to the plate in the seventh inning with the score knotted at 1-1. Two pitches later, he slid into third base – 90 feet away from being the North’s go-ahead run.

How’d it happen?

The Christopher Newport (Va.) University commit hit a towering shot off the left center wall – inches from the top and just right of the 364-foot marker. He scored a few pitches later on an RBI single by Sherwood’s Brendan Collins.

“I adjusted from the first-pitch fastball,” the infielder said. “I’ll take a triple any day.”

Regarding Sunday’s experience, Bossi said, “Being able to walk out onto Camden Yards, see all the stands and that backdrop. … It’s awesome.”

Smithsburg pitcher rises to challenge

How many high school athletes can say they’ve pitched from a major league mound?

When right-hander Ryan Bywaters took the field Sunday, he made sure to take advantage of that moment.

In two innings of work, Bywaters, who is headed to Radford (Va.) University, struck out four batters. He also escaped a first-and-third jam in the first.

“My second inning was a lot better than my first because of my command,” Bywaters said. “I had some trouble with location from the stretch (in the first), but was able to take some off the fastball and get the last out.”

Bywaters was named the North’s Most Outstanding Pitcher while Parkside’s Sean Fisher received the award for the South team.