It’s no secret that the Woodchucks have been having one of their best seasons in recent years, further proven by the sheer number of All-Stars selected to go to the game. The Chucks sent a total of 5 and their entire coaching staff. Carsen Plumadore (Georgia Southwestern), Adiel Melendez (Montavello), Johnny Amonica (Keiser), Max Galvin (Miami), and Max Soliz Jr. (Kansas) all made appearances with the Chucks’ coaching staff comprised of Manager Corey Thompson (Keiser), Pitching Coach Nolan Atkins (Feather River College), Hitting Coach Kelton Caldwell (Keiser), and Assistant Coach Gannon Ruckman (Keiser) leading the Great Lakes Division.
Left-to-right: Gannon Ruckman, Nolan Atkins, Kelton Caldwell, Corey Thompson
Starting with the Home Run Challenge, Max Soliz Jr. was chosen to be the first batter to appear at the plate for the Great Lakes team. Soliz immediately set the tone, belting out 8 over the fence to put the Great Lakes in the lead. It wouldn’t be the end of his night however, as it was discovered that he hadn’t been allotted extra time as part of the rules, so he was allowed to make a second appearance for about 30 seconds. Soliz jumped all over this opportunity, launching 5 more to bring his game total to 13, which took third overall.
Left-to-right: Max Soliz Jr., Max Galvin
With the Great Lakes trailing, Max Galvin had the weight of the game on his shoulders. He responded in kind, launching a game-leading 15 over the fence at ISG Field, to put the Great Lakes in front, a lead they would never relinquish. Galvin’s 15 home runs won him the Home Run Individual Challenge, having the most of any player there that night.
Left-to-right: Carsen Plumadore, Johnny Amonica
On day two, during the All-Star Game, three Woodchucks were named as starters: Adiel Melendez, Max Galvin, and Max Soliz Jr., with Melendez getting the start on the mound pitching to Soliz. Melendez went just the first inning, finding 1 strikeout and allowing no runs. Max Soliz Jr. and Max Galvin both had big nights, with Soliz going 1-3 with an RBI a run scored, and two walks. Galvin had the biggest night of anyone there, with 6 at-bats. He went 2-6, with both of his hits being doubles. Galvin’s performance earned him the MVP selection, his second award in just two days.
Adiel Melendez
Johnny Amonica was given the nod to close out the game in the bottom of the 9th inning. He threw just one-third, finding a strikeout, during which his fastball topped out at 96 MPH. Carsen Plumadore came in for the final two outs, finding a fly out and a ground out to close out the game en route to a 9-2 Great Lakes victory.