Four ValleyCats participate in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game

TROY, N.Y. - Four members of the National League All-Star team donned ValleyCats uniforms and representative the Capital Region's baseball team on Tuesday in State College for the New York-Penn League All-Star Game. Brian Kemp and J.D. Martinez were in the starting lineup while Russell Dixon came off the bench and J.B. MacDonald pitched in relief.

Kemp as the first ValleyCat to appear in the game, batting fifth for the National League. The ValleyCats centerfielder drew a four pitch walk in the second inning off Hudson Valley pitcher Alexander Colome. Kemp was thrown out at second attempting to steal. In his second at-bat, Kemp hit a soft single to centerfield off Mahoning Valley pitcher Marty Popham.

Martinez showcased to the entire league the power he has shown since joining the 'Cats on July 12. In the second inning, Martinez flew out to center off Colome and in his second at-bat, Martinez put the National League on the board 1-0 with a home run to left off Aberdeen's Jacob Smith.

Outfielder Russell Dixon rejoined the ValleyCats on Tuesday in State College after being promoted to Lexington a week prior. Dixon played right and came to bat in the seventh inning for the first time. Staten Island's Francisco Rondon got Dixon to strike out swinging on the seventh pitch of the at-bat. In Dixon's second at-bat, the veteran 'Cats outfielder grounded into a game-ending double play.

MacDonald came out of the bullpen to start the eighth inning. MacDonald threw just three pitches, forcing Oneonta's Michael Rockett to line out to second base and Hudson Valley catcher Mark Thomas to ground out to the shortstop.

The four All-Stars rejoin their ValleyCats teammates on Wednesday in Staten Island for two games before returning home on Friday, August 21 against the Yankees.