Birmingham, Winston-Salem and Kannapolis each are on All-Star break, signifying the end of the first half for each club. After a disastrous 2010, the Barons will be headed back to the playoffs thanks to a 40-30 record. They finished first in a tight race, two games ahead of Mobile (Diamondbacks) and three games ahead of Jacksonville (Marlins) in the Southern League’s South Division. Read on for a recap of the first half for the Dash and Intimidators as well as a quick roundup of the all-star games.
Last year Winston-Salem had a great season (81-58), so it makes sense
that the Barons would find success with many of the same players a year
later. This year, though, the Dash went just 32-38 in the first half, 8.5 games behind Myrtle Beach (Rangers).
Kannapolis had a strong first half in the South Atlantic League, going 37-31, but finished fourth in the seven-team Northern Division and three games behind Hickory (Rangers). Three Intimidators took part in the SAL All-Star Game last night. Trayce Thompson and Ross Wilson each went 0-2 while Brady Shoemaker went 1-3 with a double, and a run. The North lost to the South 6-3.
Elsewhere, Christian Marrero slugged a pair of doubles in the South’s 6-3 loss in the Southern League All-Star Game. Brandon Short and Tyler Kuhn each drew a walk while Charlie Leesman and Dan Remenowsky recorded two scoreless outs.
Jose Martinez and Ian Gac each managed a hit in the Carolina League’s 6-1 loss to the California League. Andy Wilkins went 0-2 and Andre Rienzo retired both batters he faced.