The Madison Mallards struggled in the first half of the season, compiling a 13-19 record, but it is obvious that this team has a lot of talent. That fact was proven on Thursday, as ten All-Stars were selected from the Mallards, the most of any team in the entire league.
The Mallards had five members of their pitching staff voted in, which is third in the Northwoods League in ERA. Those selections are led by lefthander Brady Endl, who is 2-2 with a 2.34 ERA in seven starts on the season. Endl is tied for second in the league with 42.1 innings pitched and opponents are only batting .212 off him. Other starters to make the team include Amad Stephens, who is 1-3 with a 2.82 ERA, and Phillip Martinez, who is 0-4 with a 3.73 ERA but is fourth in the league with 41 innings pitched. Stephens and Martinez are also among the league leaders in strikeouts.
The other pitchers to make the squad are primarily relievers who have been fantastic thus far this season. Bill Bernabei is 1-1 with a 1.54 ERA and two saves in 11 appearances, which is tops on the staff. Opponents are hitting only .197 off Bernabei, who in his only start of the season gave up only one run in eight innings. Mallards closer Mark Sopko also made the team. In nine games, Sopko is 2-0 with a 0.77 ERA with four saves.
Five position players also made the Northwoods League Southern Division team. First baseman Jaime Martinez made it on the heels of a recent tear. In his current eight-game hitting streak, Martinez has hit .552 (16-29) to raise his average to .338 on the season. Martinez also leads the team with a .440 on-base percentage.
Middle infielders Kyle Anson and Dominic Ramos will represent the Mallards double play combination. Anson has hit .304 on the season with 10 RBI and Ramos, though hitting only .209, has come up with many key hits on the season to go along with his stellar defense.
Outfielder Madison Edwards was an obvious choice for the team. Edwards is hitting .324 on the season and leads the Mallards with 17 runs scored, 36 hits and 15 walks to go along with seven doubles on the campaign. Edwards also has played great defense in the outfield, primarily in center and right.
Charlie Babineaux was voted to the team as the designated hitter. Babineaux, who has played outfield this season as well, leads the Mallards in home runs with two and RBI?s with 16 while batting a solid .284. He is also slugging .388 on the season.
The All-Star game will be held at the Mallards very own Warner Park on July 16th. Game time is set for 7:35pm and there will be no ties in our festival of All-Stars.
