Almonte, Dunigan to Hit in Home Run Derby

JACKSON, TENN. (JUNE 16, 2012) - Jackson All-Stars Denny Almonte and Joe Dunigan have been selected to hit in the 2012 Southern League Home Run Derby on Tuesday, June 19 in Kodak, Tenn.

Dunigan, 26, has belted a team-leading 11 home runs that ranks 3rd in the Southern League. The Chicago, IL native is batting .277 this season, with 31 RBI's in 55 games. Dunigan's .519 slugging percentage ranks 4th in the Southern League.

Almonte, 23, ranks 2nd on the team and 4th in the league with 9 home runs this season. The Miami, FL native is batting .287 in the first half, with 30 RBI's. Almonte has stolen 13 bases and ranks 1st on the team with 68 hits and 107 total bases. Almonte will start the All-Star game in center field and bat leadoff.

Almonte and Dunigan will join Hunter Morris (7 HRs) from the Huntsville Stars, Justin Bour (6 HRs) from the Tennessee Smokies to represent the North Division. For the South Division, Mobile's Matt Davidson (14 HRs), Alfredo Marte (13 HRs) and Marc Krauss (9 HRs) and Montgomery's Kyeong Kang (9 HRs) will represent the division.

The Home Run Derby will take place before the All-Star Game and consists of two rounds. In the first round, the eight hitters will get eight outs each to blast as many home runs as possible. Only two hitters will advance to the second round where they will only receive four outs.

For more information on the 2012 All-Star Game in Kodak, Tenn. please visit www.smokiesbaseball.com/AllStarGame.