Baseball: With 14 strikeouts, Central win a Shore thing in Barrett Game

ASTON >> David Shore’s plan for the 32nd annual Joseph J. Barrett Memorial All-Star Game changed soon after he arrived in the Central League dugout at Neumann University’s Bruder Field.

“I kind of expected to catch four or five innings and take it easy the rest of the game, have a nice day,” said Shore, a Strath Haven product. “But then I saw I was the only catcher here and at first I was surprised, but it was good. I like to play.”

Shore enjoyed himself plenty in a 9-2 Central League win over the Del Val League all-stars. He went 2-4, including a double, scored two runs and knocked in one on his way to MVP honors. Perhaps more impressively, Shore caught all nine innings and called pitches for a group of hurlers that combined for 14 strikeouts.

“Just get ahead in the count, start with the fastball,” said Shore of his strategy. “Most of the pitchers here have enough stuff so they can throw secondary pitches for strikes. That was really important today.”

Garnet Valley’s Mike Bechtold set the tone with a blistering two innings of work. He was nearly untouchable. Bechtold retired all six batters he faced with five strikeouts, four of them looking. Shore was happy to be a battery mate rather than an opponent.

“That’s the first time I’ve gotten to catch him. I was really impressed,” said Shore. “We faced him in the season and he shut us down.”

The duo thrived together with a little help from home-plate umpire Art Woods, who stretched the strike zone three or four inches on the outer half.

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David Shore had himself quite a day at — and behind — the plate, in being named the Barrett All-Star Game’s MVP. The Strath Haven catcher went 2 for 4, scored twice, drove in a run and handled a pitching staff that struck out 14. (Courtesy photo/Paul Bogosian)