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Former teammates Marquez, Godinez reunite on diamond
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Ceres Highs Alan Marquez, pictured, played in a pair of all-star games with Central Valleys Raul Godinez this summer. Marquez and Godinez were teammates at the youth level. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Teammates at the youth level, Alan Marquez and Raul Godinez reunited for a pair of high school all-star baseball games this past month.

"It was a perfect way to end high school," Alan said.

"I rode with him to the game," Raul added. "It's crazy how time flies. I grew up with Alan. He's a good person and ball player."

Godinez started at shortstop and Marquez contributed at second base during the Fifth Annual Merced County-Stanislaus County All-Star Game.

Raul, Alan and Stanislaus County pulled away for a 14-6 win over Merced County on June 21 at Merced College.

Godinez batted 1-for-3 from the plate.

Marquez was hitless in one at-bat.

Raul and Alan played four and three innings, respectively.

"Everybody was there for a reason," Marquez said. "We all wanted to win. It was a cool experience. Everyone got along so well. It was like playing with my high-school teammates again. It was fun."

"This could be my last time playing," Godinez said. "It's kind of sad."

Marquez had a memorable final season with Ceres High.

He was voted Western Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player.

Alan posted a league-best 5-0 record at pitcher. He ranked second in ERA (1.98) and third in strikeouts (25).

He also led the WAC in batting average (.594), slugging percentage (.750) and on-base percentage (.698).

Marquez collected one triple, three doubles, eight RBIs and 11 runs.

The Bulldogs posted a 23-7 overall record, captured their first conference title since 1991 and qualified for the postseason for the fourth straight year.

"I'm super happy for him (Alan)," Godinez said. "I knew what he was capable of. He can do everything."

Godinez was selected to the WAC First Team.

Raul, an infielder/pitcher for Central Valley, batted .486 with two doubles, eight RBIs, six runs and three stolen bases.

Godinez compiled a 2-3 record with a 3.82 ERA and league-leading 41 strikeouts on the mound.

Raul propelled the Hawks to a fourth-place finish in the WAC standings (6-6).

Central Valley earned its first-ever playoff berth during Godinez's junior year.

"It was an honor playing for CV," Raul said. "I'm satisfied. I wouldn't change anything."

Alan and Raul will try to join the Sacramento State and Stanislaus State baseball teams as walk-on players next spring.

"Hopefully, I can continue playing," Marquez said. "I got to work twice as hard because it's a whole different level. It's nothing like high school."

"I had orientation on Friday," Godinez said. "I got my class schedule. Hopefully, I can make the team."

Marquez, Godinez and the East team defeated the West squad 5-0 in the 25th Annual Modesto Sunrise Rotary All-Star Baseball Game on June 14 at John Thurman Field.

"I feel really thankful," Marquez said. "Not many kids can say they went to two all-star games. It's amazing. I worked out in the offseason to get better. I didn't expect to accomplish this much."