RockHounds, Naturals rule TL All-Stars

The Texas League All-Star Game will take place in Corpus Christi later this month, but it may feel more like a Midland home game once first pitch rolls around.

The Double-A RockHounds account for six of the nine starting position players on the South All-Stars roster after the league revealed its selections for this year's midsummer classic on Monday afternoon. The host Hooks will send one starter to the team, first baseman Conrad Gregor.

Midland catcher Carson Blair, second baseman Colin Walsh, third baseman Ryon Healy, shortstop Chad Pinder, outfielder Chad Oberacker and designated hitter Matt Olson will all start for the South.

The North All-Stars heavily feature Northwest Arkansas, with the Naturals sending first baseman Balbino Fuenmayor, second baseman Angel Franco, designated hitter Mike Bianucci and outfielder Jorge Bonifacio to Whataburger Field for the June 30 game.

Tony Kemp, who leads the league in hitting with a .358 average, and Frisco third baseman Joey Gallo were among those voted to the team, but replaced after promotions to higher levels.

Notable All-Stars include Fuenmayor, 25, who owns the highest average in the league among active players with a .345 mark, and Frisco third baseman Drew Robinson, who tops the circuit with 12 home runs. Bianucci ranks second with 11 and Bonifacio is tied with Fuenmayor for third with 10 homers. Arkansas' Brian Hernandez will start at third for the North squad after leading the league with 46 RBIs in 61 games.

The Texas League's wins leader, Chris Devenski, was voted to the South's pitching staff along with fellow hometown Hooks hurlers Travis Ballew and Jandel Gustave. The entire South pitching staff is right-handed.

Hooks manager Rodney Linares and his staff will lead the South All-Stars while Tulsa's Razor Shines takes his Drillers crew into Corpus Christi for the North team. The full rosters are below: