Pitching Shines as 2025 GLSCL All-Star Game Ends in 1-1 Tie
MASON, Ohio – On Tuesday night at Prasco Park, the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League’s top talent came together for the 2025 All-Star Game. With perfect weather and major league scouts in attendance, the stage was set - and while bats may have been quiet, the game delivered a showcase of elite pitching, timely defense, and lots of competitive energy that ended in a 1-1 tie.
The North Division All-Stars, made up of players from the Flag City Sluggers, Michigan Monarchs, Muskegon Clippers, and Lima Locos, were designated the away team and wasted no time getting on the board. After a quiet first inning, Lima's Grant McGuire (Winthrop University) worked a leadoff walk and advanced on a wild pitch. Sluggers outfielder Harrison Engskov (Arkansas State) then drilled an RBI single to right, bringing McGuire home and giving the North a 1-0 lead in the second.
The South responded in the bottom half with a single from Hamilton Joes’ Brett Denby (Wright State) but couldn’t quite capitalize.
After a couple scoreless frames, the South again was looking to make noise in the bottom of the fourth. Xenia Scouts catcher Will Lawrence (Samford University) knocked a single and Denby followed with his second hit of the night, putting two runners on with nobody out. After a couple outs, Grand Lake Mariners star Jacob Loving (Palomar College) added another single, loading the bases in a golden opportunity. While they wouldn’t fully take advantage with multiple runs, Scouts outfielder Johnathan Jackson (Harding University) worked an RBI walk, tying the game at 1-1 through four innings.
Momentum continued in the fifth when the South had runners on via a hit batter and walk. Lawrence again came through with a single, and Southern Ohio’s Ronnie Rowley (MidAmerican Nazarene) rounded third with a shot at the go-ahead run. But Engskov wasn’t finished, he unleashed a perfect throw from left to gun down Rowley at the plate and preserve the 1-1 tie.
After the fifth, there was a full lineup change as the other all-stars got their chance in the spotlight, but the second half followed the same script: outstanding pitching and clutch defense.
The North loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth and had them juiced again in the seventh with just one away. But Xenia pitcher Danny Slaske (Rollins College) ended the threat with a stellar 1-2-3 double play, reacting instantly to a sharp grounder and firing home before a relay to first ended the inning.
In the ninth, two walks gave the North another opportunity with no outs. But Copperheads ace Luke Bryant (Ohio Univeristy) snagged a line drive back at him and quickly doubled off the runner at second, shutting down the threat once more.
The South went quietly in the bottom of the tenth as Sluggers pitcher Bryce Stenzel (Missouri St Louis (UMSL) worked a 1-2-3 inning to seal the 1-1 final.
Most Valuable Player honors went to Hamilton Joes star shortstop Brett Denby (Wright State). Denby went 2-for-2 on the night with two hard-hit singles and was a very deserving recipient of this year's award.
On behalf of the GLSCL, we extend our gratitude to the Prasco Park staff for hosting a top-tier event, and to all the fans, scout, coaches, players, and interns who made this another great night to remember.
