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VanWagenen Shines In 2005 All Star Game
July 10th - Under a cloudless sky and in scorching 95 degree heat, third year player
Matt VanWagenen led the American Division All stars to a
comeback victory over the National Division team by a
score of 82-65. The American team trailed after every inning from 1-7, but VanWagenen's outstanding 2.50 IRA (in innings 4-7) allowed the
Americans to close the gap that at several points
in the contest was as high as 18 runs. Matt struck out 7 batters and threw a shutout
inning in the 4th.
Matt - who hit a career high 4 grand slams - was assisted at the plate by Chris DiCesare
who collected 30 RBI; Chris Monroe who had 18 hits and by Corey Smith who had an All Star
Game on base percentage of .800.
Mike Lewis and Matt Friedenberg starred in a losing cause. Friedenberg struck out
10 batters and left the mound after four innings leading 42-24. Lewis connected
for a 9 round trippers and drove home 31 runners
while making only 3 outs. Sean Lewis also pitched well allowing just 5 runs in his 5th inning
appearance.
In the field DiCesare - playing in his 9th All Star Game - had
the most fielding plays with 6, but first time All Stars
Kevin Hayden and Brian Gallio combined for the best play of the game
working together in centerfield to rob a home run. Brian Gallio led the Nationals with 5 fielding
plays in the game.
The American Division earned home field advantage for the World Series in October
with today's hard fought victory. | 
