Palsha Added to South Atlantic League All-Star Roster
Published on June 17, 2016 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Columbia Fireflies News Release
COLUMBIA, SC - Columbia right-handed reliever Alex Palsha was added to the South Atlantic League Southern Division All-Star team, the league announced on Friday. The 24-year-old joins starter P.J. Conlon, and infielders Vinny Siena and David Thompson who were chosen to represent the Fireflies by coaches and media on June 7. The quartet will be on display at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky, for the 57th annual South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 21.
Palsha has been exceptionally reliable out of the bullpen this season. As of June 17, the Danville, California, native is a perfect 10-for-10 in save opportunities. His strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio is also fifth best in the league among relievers (12.4). In total, he's punched out 40 batters in 29 innings.
"Alex has been great for us out of the bullpen," Manager Jose Leger said. "His fastball has been outstanding and he keeps it down in the zone. Sometimes he comes up with it with a purpose and he's been striking out hitters at a really high ratio. It's a well-deserved trip to the All-Star Game."
The 2014 draft pick out of Sacramento State has become accustomed to the recognition. Last year, Palsha was awarded the Mets Sterling Award for his splendid 2015 season pitching for the short-season A Brooklyn Cyclones. The reliever appeared in 22 games and allowed just one run all year. He finished with a 0.36 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 24.2 innings pitched. The Mets present the Sterling Award to the top player at each minor league level. Palsha was honored at Citi Field - the home of the New York Mets - last September before a game.
Columbia is on the road Friday facing the Asheville Tourists (Colorado Rockies) at McCormick Field starting at 7:05 p.m. After the all-star break, the Fireflies return to Spirit Communications Park on Thursday, June 23, when they host the Augusta GreenJackets (San Francisco Giants). Purchase your tickets to watch Columbia's all-stars in action by visiting FirefliesTickets.com.
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