Duo to play in NEIBA All-Star game
SMITHFIELD, R.I. - First team All-Northeast Conference Selection junior David Soltis (Plainville, Conn.) and second-team All-NEC honoree Mark Andrews (Hillsborough, N.J.) have been selected to play in the 37th annual New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association's All-Star game Thursday evening at LaLacheur Park in Lowell, Mass.
Soltis, a starter in all of the Bulldogs' 53 games in 2011, led the squad with a .348 batting average and 33 RBIs. The slugger posted a .392 average in league play, good enough for fifth in the conference, and picked up 40 of his 62 hits in conference play, en route to leading the lineup in runs (34) and on-base percentage (.447). The Connecticut native was walked an astounding 26 times in 2011 and generated 18 multi-hit games. Soltis produced 16 doubles but was even more impressive in the field, posting a .911 fielding percentage, accounting for 157 assists and provided assistance on 35 double plays.
On the mound, Andrews wrapped up an illustrious career with eight saves in 40.1 innings pitched. Posting a 5-4 record in 2011, the dominant southpaw set the new standard for career appearances, after playing in 23 games this past season. The New Jersey native generated a 4.02 ERA in his relief role and held opposing batters to a .201 batting average. The lefty registered a remarkable 3.04 ERA in league outings and will go down in the record books as the all-time leader in saves (33), and appearances (100).
LeLacheur Park is home of the Lowell Spinners, a minor league team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. The gate will open at 6pm and tickets will cost $5. For directions and other information, please visit the official website of the Lowell Spinners at http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t558.