Error Gives North All-Stars 9-8 Win Over South

Catcher Eric Helfand’s wild throw on a potential game-ending double-play grounder provided the North All-Stars with two runs and a 9-8 victory over the South in the second game of a three-game California High School All-Star baseball series Saturday night at San Diego State’s Smith Field.

The South led, 8-6, going into the bottom of the ninth inning, but the North scored one run and had the bases loaded with one out when John Kelly of Davis hit a ground ball to first base.

First baseman Manny Cervantes of Whittier La Serna threw home to get the second out, but Helfand of San Diego Patrick Henry threw the ball into right field attempting to get Kelly at first. James Proctor of Hanford and Paul Ellis of San Ramon Valley scored, giving the North the win.

The South leads the overall series, which started in 1969, 20-17. The South won Game 1 on Friday night, 6-0. Game 3 is scheduled for noon today at the University of San Diego.