West Coast, Best Coast- All-Star Game Selections

Cassidy Thornburg | July 9, 2019

“West Coast is the Best Coast.” The 2019 All-Star Game selections are in and the San Diego Force (12-12), the current second place team in the SCCBL, are giving the league 12 reasons why the West team is going to beat the East team this summer. 

First, DJ Lewis (University of Cumberlands), the leadoff hitter who has a solid .364 batting average in conference. Lewis has scored eight runs, knocked in 17, and has a total of 20 hits, including five doubles, two triples, and a home run so far in conference.

Second, outfielder Alex Blaszyk (Saddleback College), who has also proved he can hit on more than one occasion with a grand slam, another home run, and two triples. Blaszyk will fill another spot for the Force in the All-Star game as well as represent the Force in the Home Run Derby.

Third, Sam Neufeld (Vanguard University), the SCCBL’s most recent player of the week and for good reason. Neufeld has 32 hits, four doubles, three home-runs, and 17 RBI, to contribute to his .410 batting average which ranks in the top 10 batting averages across the SCCBL.

Fourth, Tyler Van Stone (Hawai'i Pacific University), the SCCBL’s current strikeout leader, after striking out 46 in 33 innings. Van Stone is sure to put up some good defense this weekend. Plus, if you give him a bat, he may just hammer another one out, like he did in his solo at bat a few weeks back.

Fifth, Byron Smith (Masters U), a multifaceted player who has made some impressive stops and plays at the plate as well as brought some heat on the mound, being gunned at 93.

Sixth, Hooper Mills (East Tennessee State University), another highly ranked pitcher in the SCCBL. Mills pitched a shutout through a complete nine innings, having 106 pitches and 7 strikeouts to get the W against the Pirates on June 30. 

Seventh, Will Stroud (Azusa Pacific University), the tried and true shortstop for the San Diego Force who has not only being a key component in the field, but a driving force at the plate, having four doubles, a home run, and 16 RBI so far in conference. 

Eighth, Ryan Williams (Cal Baptist University), who has put up good numbers so far scoring 11 runs, batting in 13, and having 21 hits including seven doubles, and a triple.

Ninth, Andrai Wright (Savannah State University), another consistent hitter for the San Diego Force. The first-baseman hits doubles on doubles. He has seven so far on the season alongside eight RBI. 

Tenth,  Colin Freeman (Cuesta College), who is currently sitting at a .324 batting average in conference after scoring 16 runs, batting in nine, and getting on base with 16 hits. 

Eleventh, Justin Webb (Lasell College), who will complete the rotation for the San Diego Force. Webb has a low 1.23 ERA and 13 strikeouts to his name. 

Twelfth, Cole Mueller (UCSB), who with a .333 batting average on the season, six runs, fifteen hits, three doubles, a triple, a home run, and eight RBI will fill the final spot for the Force in the All-Star game. 

The Force's representation in the All-Star game alone should make the East weary of the West, but they will also be joining with the Jays and Stros to field the West team while the Power, Pirates, and Bucs will form the East team. Come out to support your San Diego Force All-Stars this weekend in Palm Springs at Power Stadium. The Home Run Derby Starts at 6:05 and the All-Star Game will follow at 7:05 p.m.