California League: Max Muncy shows off with the long ball
The California League has had the reputation of being a hitter’s league, and the Stockton Ports’ newly minted All-Star Max Muncy took that reputation further.
On Jun. 5, the Ports faced the Lancaster JetHawks at home and won 13-7 with a total of 11 home runs between the two teams. The 16 MPH winds headed out to centerfield might’ve helped with the night’s dingers.
Muncy led the home run show with three homers on the night — one of which was a three-run shot in the first inning.
Muncy, the Oakland Athletics’ 5th round pick in 2012, leads the team with 13 home runs. The slugger has a .883 OPS on the season and leads the team in OBP at .398 (because Adam Rosales doesn’t count). In the Jun. 5 game, he went 3-for-5 with five RBI, one strikeout, and three runs scored.
He will be the starting first baseman for the California League in the Carolina-California League All-Star Game in San Jose on Jun. 18.
Allen shuts down High Desert Mavericks
Bakersfield Blaze pitcher James Allen dominated the game on Tuesday night at Mavericks Stadium. The righty went eight innings and minimized the number of High Desert hitters on base. With only two hits and two walks allowed, the Mavericks fell to the Blaze, 1-0.
Mavericks are currently second in the South Division in both runs scored (359) and SLG (.462) and their home ballpark led the league in home runs allowed in 2012. For a pitcher to shut that offense down at that park is a rare thing to do, so Allen’s line is impressive.
The Blaze have already been eliminated from a shot at being the First-Half Champion, but seem to be picking things up a bit, having gone 6-4 in their last 10 games.
California League All-Star roster announced
On Friday afternoon, the California League unveiled their roster for the annual All-Star Game. The festivities, hosted at the San Jose Giants’ Municipal Stadium, will include top prospects such as Alex Yarbrough (Angels, #18), Jake Barrett (Diamondbacks, #14), and Edwin Escobar (Giants, #10).
The full roster can be found on Minor League Baseball’s website here. The Carolina League’s roster is also available online.