50th South Atlantic All-Star Game

[Via email from the Bowling Green Hot Rods' broadcaster Tom Gauthier.]

Playing for the Southern Division in the 50th South Atlantic All-Star Game, Tim Beckham and Chris Andujar displayed their talents in front of 5,689 fans at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston, WV. Despite their performances, the Southern Division squad came up short in the end, losing 8-7 on a ninth inning walk-off single by the North’s Calvin Anderson, one of the representatives from the host West Virginia Power.

Beckham showcased his ability in his first at-bat in the bottom of the first inning, drilling a triple to center field with one out in the inning. Beckham was followed by a walk to Greenville 1B Anthony Rizzo, who promptly stole second base. Ultimately, though, the South was unable to take advantage of their first scoring opportunity stranding Beckham and Rizzo.

Two innings later Beckham would start another one-out rally that the South would capitalize on. The Hot Rods shortstop roped a single to left field before motoring around to score on a double by Rizzo for the game’s first run. Beckham’s second hit of the game eventually led to a three-run third inning to give the South a 3-0 lead.

Beckham would strike one final time in the top of the fifth inning, delivering his third hit of the game, again, with one out. Rizzo, however, would follow up Beckham’s single with a double-play to end any potential rally. On the game Beckham finished with a game-high three hits, leading the South’s 11-hit attack.

As for Andujar, his first All-Star experience was plagued by tough luck. Entering the game in the top of the fifth inning holding a 3-1 lead, Andujar surrendered a soft fly ball single to left field before hitting West Virginia’s Chase D’Arnaud to put runners at first and second base. Andujar got his first out by inducing a fielder’s choice ground ball from Lakewood’s speedy Anthony Gose. Andujar eventually loaded the bases before a soft line drive single landed in right field followed by a slow ground ball that found its way into left field to tie the game at 3-3. Andujar got the final two outs of the inning on a double play to end the threat with the North holding a 4-3 lead.

While his Southern teammates would pick him up in the top of the sixth by scoring three more runs, Andujar would not earn the win as the North rallied for the 8-7 victory.

Andujar and Beckham come back to Bowling Green on Wednesday before hitting the road with their teammates for a second-half road trip through Lexington and Rome. You can follow the second half of the season beginning Thursday night with Tom Gauthier on 1340 AM WBGN and www.bghotrods.com. Coverage begins at 5:50 PM CDT with first pitch coming at 6:05 PM CDT.

The Hot Rods begin their next home stand against the Augusta GreenJackets on July 4 with postgame fireworks presented by WBKO. For tickets and a complete list of promotions, visit www.bghotrods.com or stop by the Hot Rods ticket office at Bowling Green Ballpark.