Past I.F. Stars Continue to Shine

Former Chukars show well in 2009 All-Star games

By John Hadden

June 6, 2009

Texas League All-Star Game

The Texas League has held its All-Star game on July 1st in Frisco, Texas, and former Idaho Falls Chukars player Kurt Mertins was a key contributor for the winning North Division team.

In his only at-bat, Mertins was at the plate in the eighth inning with a runner at second and two outs. Mertins then hit a line-drive single to left to drive in what proved to be the game-winning run in a 2-1 North Division victory.

Texas League All-Star Game Recap

California/Carolina League All-Star Game

The California/Carolina League All-Star Game was held in Lake Elsinore, California on June 23rd with former Idaho Falls Chukars players Mike Moustakas and Everett Teaford getting nods to represent the Carolina League.

Teaford did not play in the game due to a promotion to double-A Northwest Arkansas, but Moustakas did play in the 2-1 loss the Carolina League All-Stars suffered. Moustakas was the starter at third base and finished 1 for 2.

California/Carolina League All-Star Game Recap

Midwest League All-Star Game

The Midwest League All-Star Game on June 23rd was held at Alliant Energy Field in Clinton, Iowa, home of the LumberKings with several former Chukars on the roster. Outfielders Nick Francis and Nick Van Stratten were starters in the game, and they were joined by pitcher Bryan Casey on the West's roster. The West may have lost the game 6-3, but no one could blame the performances of those three.

Nick Van Stratten started in left field and Nick Francis started in right field. Van Stratted went 0 for 3 at the plate, but Francis finished 2 for 3. Both of Francis' hits were doubles and he also had a walk, run and RBI. Bryan Casey entered the game in the sixth inning and allowed no runs in two thirds of inning. Casey did allow one hit and he finished with one strikeout.

Midwest League All-Star Game Recap