Quintet of Wingnuts Voted All-Stars
August 30, 2013 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- Five Wichita Wingnuts players were named to the American Association's 2013 Postseason All-Star team on Friday.
First baseman C.J. Ziegler, second baseman Jake Kahaulelio, third baseman Abel Nieves, outfielder Brent Clevlen, and designated hitter John Rodriguez all received honors.
Ziegler has been one of the biggest contributors to Wichita's league-leading offense. The Tucson, AZ native ranks 13th in the American Association in batting average (.322) and leads the league in both home runs (30) and RBI (98). The 30 long balls currently stand as an American Association record. On August 21st at Gary SouthShore, Ziegler hit for the first cycle in team history. Over the last two seasons, Ziegler has combined for 48 home runs and 159 RBI in 154 games played. The 27-year-old Ziegler has twice been named the American Association's Batter of the Week this year.
Kahaulelio earns all-star honors for a second straight year and is hitting .317 with 17 home runs and 61 RBI. The Petaluma, CA native leads the American Association with 90 runs scored and has committed just four errors in 91 games played at second base. Kahaulelio has been hit by a pitch 22 times which stands as an American Association single-season record. On July 23rd, Kahaulelio slugged a walk-off grand slam home run versus Amarillo.
Nieves leads the American Association in batting average (.354) and will try to become the fourth Wingnuts player in the team's first six years to win the batting title. The Maracay, Venezuela native compiled a 19-game hitting streak during the month of June in which he was 38 for 76 (.500). Nieves has reached base in 85 of 95 games this season with a hit, walk, or hit by pitch and ranks first among American Association third basemen in fielding percentage (.958).
Clevlen has had a major impact on the Wingnuts' since joining the team in mid-June. The former Major Leaguer is tied for ninth in the league in batting at .333 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI in just 66 games. The 29-year-old Clevlen also ranks fourth in the league in on-base percentage (.427) and third in slugging percentage (.606). Clevlen and all-star teammate John Rodriguez are the only two active players in the American Association that rank in the top-10 in batting average while also reaching double digit home runs.
Rodriguez has anchored the Wingnuts' lineup for a second straight season. The 2006 World Series champion (St. Louis Cardinals) is fourth in the league in batting average (.344), tied for fourth in home runs (19), second behind Ziegler in RBI (85), and second behind Kahaulelio in runs scored (83). Rodriguez has been especially dangerous in the season's final month. The 35-year-old Rodriguez is hitting .390 with 24 runs scored, seven homers, and 29 RBI in 25 August contests. Rodriguez leads the Wingnuts with 43 multi-hit games and notched his 1,500th career base hit on July 8th versus Amarillo.
The Wingnuts play their final regular season road game tonight at 7:05 p.m. against the Lincoln Saltdogs. Chris Smith faces right-hander Luis Chirinos. All the action can be heard locally on Oldies 92.7 KWME and worldwide at www.pressboxproductionsradio.com
Wichita returns home Saturday, August 31st for a three-game series against the Kansas City T-Bones.
The 2013 American Association Division Series begins Wednesday, September 4th. The Wingnuts host Game Three of the series on Friday, September 6th as well as the "if necessary" Games Four and Five on September 7th and 8th. Individual tickets for all home playoff games can be purchased by calling (316) 755-SEAT, or by visiting www.selectaseat.com
Beginning this season, fans can use cash at all points of sale in Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Debit and credit cards will still be accepted.
For season tickets, group outings, or party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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