Four Hawks Earn All-Star Honors

BELOIT, WISCONSIN - The South Bend Silver Hawks, in conjunction with the Midwest League, are pleased to announce that four Silver Hawks (Class-A, Arizona Diamondbacks) have earned a spot on the Midwest League Eastern Division All-Star roster.

The 2012 Midwest League Summer All-Star Classic is slated for June 19 at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, the home of the Kane County Cougars.

Second baseman Gerson Montilla was named a starter on the Eastern Division squad, while Matt Helm was selected as a reserve infielder. Right-handed pitchers Archie Bradley and Kable Hogben also made the roster.

All-Stars were nominated and selected by the Field Managers of the Midwest League.

Montilla, 22, is hitting .265 with four home runs and a team-leading 35 RBIs in his second season with the Silver Hawks. Montilla's 18 doubles are also a team-best. Montilla hit .234 in 66 games for the Silver Hawks in 2011.

Joining Montilla is Helm, 21, who receives all-star honors for a second straight season. In his third season with the Silver Hawks, Helm has started all 58 games, hitting .281 with two home runs and 30 RBIs. The third baseman is the only Midwest League player to have started all of his team's games this season.

Bradley, 19, has won a team-high six games for the Silver Hawks, pitching in his first full season professionally. Bradley was especially effective in April, going 3-1 with the top ERA (2.08) among Hawks starters. Bradley's .156 opponents batting average is the top clip among qualifying Silver Hawks starters.

Hogben, 21, is currently 2-2 with a 2.45 earned run average. The right-hander has only allowed runs in four of his 18 appearances this season. Opponents are hitting just .218 against Hogben, who is in his second season with the Silver Hawks. In 2011, Hogben posted a 2.84 ERA in 20 relief appearances.

The Bowling Green Hot Rods lead all teams with eight All-Stars. The Lansing Lugnuts, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Beloit Snappers all had seven all-star selections.

The Eastern Division All-Stars will be coached by the Lansing Lugnuts staff, led by Manager John Tamargo Jr. The Western Division All-Stars will be skippered by the Kane County Cougars and Brian Buchanan.

The Silver Hawks are off Tuesday before beginning a three-game series Wednesday with the Great Lakes Loons at Coveleski Stadium. Left-hander John Pedrotty (2-3, 5.58) starts for South Bend and he will be opposed by right-hander Gustavo Gomez (4-5, 5.12). Tickets are available for purchase by calling 235-9988 or online at www.silverhawks.com.