Wed Jul 16 01:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Whiteville Native MacKenzie Gore to Make MLB All-Star Debut**

**WILMINGTON, N.C. -** Whiteville, NC native MacKenzie Gore, the Washington Nationals’ star pitcher, is set to make his Major League Baseball All-Star debut this Tuesday in Atlanta. Gore learned Sunday he’d earned the prestigious honor, a dream come true for the homegrown talent.

“Everybody wants to be an All-Star,” Gore told WECT in a recent interview. “I’ve been more just trying to be the best version of myself, and I thought if I do that then I’d get to be an All-Star at some point. So a lot of hard work’s paid off.”

In his third season with the Nationals, Gore has quickly risen to become the team’s ace. Through 18 starts and 104.1 innings this season, he’s racked up an impressive 131 strikeouts, placing him second in the National League and fourth across all of MLB.

Gore’s roots run deep in Southeastern North Carolina. He led Whiteville High School to three state championships, even recording a dominant 0.08 ERA as a junior, including a no-hitter with 18 strikeouts.

A contingent of family and friends is expected to make the trip from Whiteville to Atlanta to support him at the All-Star Game. “They’re excited,” Gore said. “So I’m looking forward to it. Should be fun.”

He also mentioned the importance of his community, stating, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of everyone in that area. The community’s really special in that area.” Gore was drafted No. 3 overall by the San Diego Padres in 2017 after foregoing college and was later traded to Washington.

Gore will be joined by outfielder James Wood as the only two Nationals representatives on the National League All-Star team.

The 2024 MLB All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. at Truist Park in Atlanta.

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