O’FALLON, MO–The River City Rascals will be well represented at the 2018 Frontier League All-Star Game, an event they will host at CarShield Field on Wednesday, July 11th. The Rascals had two players, LHP Hector Hernandez and catcher Mike Jurgella named to the Experienced team, and three players, RHP Cody Mincey, RHP Joe Iorio and shortstop JD Hearn named to the Rookie team. It is Jurgella’s second straight All-Star selection, as he was named an All-Star in Joliet in 2017.
Hernandez leads the Frontier League with a 7-0 record and a 1.59 ERA. The Rio Piedras, Puerto Rice native is dominating the league in his second year with the Rascals. Hector has made eight starts, winning his last seven after starting the year with a no-decision. He had a complete game shutout with seven strikeouts on July 22nd against the Florence Freedom, his second straight shutout. He has struck out 46 and walked 18 in 51 innings this season.
Jurgella has been a key contributor for the Rascals both at the plate and behind it this season. The Plover, WI native is hitting .266 with three home runs and 26 RBIs, and ranks second in the Frontier League with 17 doubles. He has recieved the lion’s share of time at catcher this season, working with a pitching staff that has the best ERA in the league.
Mincey serves as the Rascals closer, his second year in the role. He ranks second in the league with 12 saves. The Hartsville, SC native has amassed a 2.89 ERA through 20 appearances, striking out 25 and only walking five hitters.
Iorio is having a career year in his fourth season in the Frontier League, and second with the Rascals. The Venice, FL native has an impressive 1.06 ERA through 25.1 innings this season. He has struck out 27 on the year and only walked five, making 22 appearances out of the Rascals bullpen.
Hearn is in his first professional season out of UC San Diego. The Campbell, CA native is hitting .250 through 40 games, and has played a variety of positions defensively, most prominently center field and shortstop. He has three home runs, 15 RBIs and 10 doubles on the year.
Managers from the two teams in first place in their division following Wednesday’s games will select three additional players. The East Division manager will pick for the Rookie team and the West Division manager for the Experienced team.
Ticket’s for next Tuesday’s Home Run Derby and Wednesday’s All-Star Game are available at rivercityrascals.com, or by calling the Rascals box office at 636-240-2287.
