Three Big Sticks named to the Northwoods League All-Star Game Roster Badlands Big Sticks

Dickinson, ND – With 11 days until the big game, three members of the Badlands Big Sticks have been chosen to represent the Great Plains Division at the Northwoods League All-Star game. Those players are outfielder Kaden Carpenter, and pitchers Tyler Conklin and Sam Nitzke.

“We are ecstatic to have Kaden, Tyler, and Sam representing Dickinson” said Logan Hoff, General Manager of the Badlands Big Sticks. “They have worked hard and deserve every bit of this recognition. We can’t wait to see them in Mankato!”

Kaden Carpenter has been a staple of the Big Sticks’ outfield since game one. The sophomore at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) has played in 35 of the team’s 44 games this season. He is currently batting .356, a mark good enough for 5th in the Great Plains division. He has also hit 4 homeruns, driven in 34 RBIs, and stolen 21 bases on the season.

“Division-wide, outfield is the strongest position group in the Great Plains this year, and to see Carpenter earn a selection among a sea of great candidates is very cool” said Adam Busack, Big Sticks Color Commentator. “He’s had a monster year at the plate, and he’s one of the best guys you’ll ever meet, so I’m very happy for him.”

Tyler Conklin and Sam Nitzke provide a dominant 1-2 punch from the Big Sticks starting rotation.

Tyler Conklin is leading the league with a 2.15 ERA and ranks 5th with a 1.17 WHIP among qualifiers. The junior from Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL) has made 7 starts on the campaign and boasts a 4-0 record. He leads the team in innings pitched, 37.2, and in strikeouts with 30.

Sam Nitzke is one of the youngest players selected to the All-Star game roster. At 19, the freshman from Angelina College (Lufkin, TX) made his presence known immediately by allowing only 4 earned runs in his first 21.2 innings. On the season, Nitzke has posted a 3-0 record and a 4.15 ERA to go along with 25 strikeouts. Removing one outlier, he has a 2.76 ERA in his remaining 6 starts.

“Conklin has set himself apart among the upper echelon of starting pitchers in the Northwoods, so his selection comes as no surprise” said Busack. “Nitzke, the younger of the two starters, has really developed well this season under the guidance of the more experienced Conklin, and for the two of them to have the chance to share this experience together is very cool.”

This year’s Northwoods League All-Star Game will be hosted by the Mankato MoonDogs. The game is set for Tuesday, July 23 at 7:05 PM CDT at ISG Field in Mankato, MN. This is set to be the 29th annual All-Star game, with the first coming back in 1995. The game can be streamed exclusively on ESPN+.

The Big Sticks return to Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark on July 14 at 4:35 PM MDT for Dinosaur Night. Tickets can be purchased at https://badlands-big-sticks.nwltickets.com/SingleGame/Tickets.