The Bowie Baysox announced the selection of six players to the Western Division team for the 2013 Eastern League All-Star Game Wednesday, July 10, in New Britain, Conn. C Caleb Joseph, OF Henry Urrutia, SS Niuman Romero, 3B Ty Kelly and RHP Mike Wright were selected for the game. LHP Jason Gurka was also selected for the game, but is unable to participate due to an injury. For more information on the All-Star game, fans can visit www.rockcats.com.
Joseph is being named to the Eastern League All-Star Game for the second time in his career, also participating in 2011. The catcher has been one of the most dangerous hitters in the league and one of the best hitters on the team. He is tied for second in the league in home runs (14), second in RBI (53), tied for the lead in extra-base hits (54) and second in total bases (139). Joseph was named the Eastern League Player of the Week for the week ending June 16 after hitting hit .522 (12-23) with three doubles, a home run, seven RBI and two runs scored.
Playing professional baseball in the United States for the first time, Cuban defector Henry Urrutia has also proven himself to be one of the best hitters in the Eastern League. He currently leads the league with a .366 (71-194) batting average, is second in on-base percentage (.436) and fourth in slugging percentage (.557). The lefty is also third on the team with seven home runs and 35 RBI in 51 games and he has recorded multiple hits in nearly half his games with the Baysox (24 of 51).
Romero also makes his second trip to the Eastern League All-Star game after participating in 2012 as a member of the Erie SeaWolves. Romero was also named to the Eastern League Post-Season All-Star team in 2012. Since joining the team, Romero has helped stabilize the Baysox defense, committing just five errors in 39 games at shortstop for a .968 fielding percentage.
Batting at the top of the order, Kelly has also helped contribute to the Baysox powerful offense this season. He currently leads the team and is second in the league with 21 doubles and he is also fourth in the league with 48 base on balls this season. The switch-hitter is also second on the team in RBI (45) and third in total bases (102).
Wright has been one of the Baysox best starting pitchers this season, going 6-2 with a 4.12 ERA and team-leading 75 strikeouts in 15 starts and 78.2 innings. Wright won six consecutive decisions between April 19 and May 21 and went 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA in six starts during the month of May.
Gurka, who was placed on the Disabled List June 21, has been one of the Baysox most consistent relievers this season. He is currently 2-2 with a 2.79 ERA and four saves in 18 games and 38.2 innings pitched. Gurka has struck out 45 batters while walking on 17 and went on an eight game stretch from April 12 to May 17 where he did not allow a run in 22.1 innings of work.
Baysox Baseball – We’ll Knock Your ‘Sox Off. The Baysox 2013 season and 20th season of baseball at Prince George’s Stadium is underway. Parking is free at every Baysox home game and tickets are available at www.baysox.com, or by calling the Baysox box office at (301) 464-4865.
