Compton, Calif. — The California Collegiate League invited All-Stars from all 11 teams to participate in the annual showcase game between the North and South divisions. The South secured the win by a final of 2-0.
The game was televised on Bally Sports West and well attended by fans and scouts. The OC Riptide sent 4 players to the game: T.C. Simmons (UConn), Nathan Smith (Tennessee), Noah Carabajal (UNLV), and Matthew Maloney (New Mexico State).
T.C. Simmons started in center field for the South and finished the day going 0-1 with a walk. Nathan Smith did not appear in the game. Noah Carabajal delivered a strong inning of work, retiring the side in order and striking out 1. But, Matthew Maloney stole the show. Maloney pitched the third inning for the South, and despite allowing a pair of hits, he recorded 3 strikeouts and was voted the “Showcase Pitcher of the Game”.
After the game, Maloney said his mentality was to, “Just try to fill up the zone and throw strikes” and “locate my offspead.” Maloney’s curveball kept hitters off-balance and his fastball sat around 87 mph, allowing him to impress the fans and earn the award.
➡️ Your 2022 @CCL_Baseball Showcase Pitcher of the Game!#CCLBaseball #AggieUp @MatthewdMaloney @stitch_head @d1baseball @socalbsbscouts @thermadorhome @kerlanjobe pic.twitter.com/107XSJULMz
— California Collegiate League (@CCL_Baseball) July 21, 2022
The Riptide’s record is currently 17-15 and they sit at third in the CCL South. The Riptide’s next home game is against the Arroyo Seco Saints on Friday July 22nd, at 6:35 p.m at the OC Great Park. Boxscore