Burgess Blasts Way to Home Run Derby Title
GREENSBORO – Hagerstown’s Bill Rhinehart put on the show of his life with a 3-for-3 performance which included a home run in the first innings to propel the Northern Division to a 13-4 victory in the 49th annual South Atlantic League All-Star Game.
Rhinehart’s first-inning blast was the first of three for the Northern squad. He finished the showcase with three RBI and was honored as the game’s Star of Stars.
The Northern Division had six multiple-run innings in the contest while holding their counterparts from the South to four, one-run frames. With a 9-3 lead entering the sixth innings, Lakewood’s Drew Naylor entered the game in relief and sent three straight South batters back to the dugout, two by way of strikeout.
Naylor’s 1-2-3 sixth inning earned him pitcher of the game honors.
Greensboro’s A.J. Battisto, Corey Madden and Garrett Parcell saw action in the game for the North. Battisto pitched in the second innings and Madden faced two batters; he struck out both. Parcell finished the game for the victorious Northern Division by striking out the lone batter he faced.
Following the second inning, Hagerstown’s Michael Burgess completed his race to the Home Run Derby crown. Burgess and Greensboro’s Mike Stanton put on a long-ball clinic, seeing who could hit the ball further; ultimately Burgess was victorious.
Postgame Quick Stats
Win – Kelvin De La Cruz; Loss – Alexander Cobb; Save – None
Time – 2:59; Attendance – 8,367
*****from Justin Stottlemyre Hoppers’ media assistant*****
Michael Burgess’ titani blasts were the highlight of the evening, IMO.
I was hoping to meet former Cub star and living legend Andre Dawson, but did not get the chance.
He was at Natty Greens’ for the Post-Game Party that according to those who attended was open for Season Ticket holders and others. It was poorly attended as players skipped out to get home (or were under-age) and most folks were unaware that the party was happening.
I knew it was occurring; but assumed like the luncheon – it was a closed event.