Representing the Curve and Pittsburgh Pirates at the E.L. All-Star Game will be pitchers Luis Munoz and Matt Peterson, first baseman Steven Pearce and third baseman Neil Walker.
Munoz, who participated in the Low Class-A South Atlantic League All-Star Game last season, has been selected to the Eastern League All-Star Game in his first season at the Double-A level in the Pirates’ organization. The 25-year old right-hander has posted an 8-4 record and 3.36 ERA in 16 games (14 starts) this season. Munoz currently ranks tied for the second-most wins in the league (8) and his 3.36 ERA ranks 10th in the circuit.
Peterson has enjoyed a stellar season as the Curve’s closer. The 25-year old Louisiana native is currently the Eastern League’s leader with 17 saves in 18 opportunities, while compiling a 3-0 record and miniscule 1.16 ERA (38.2 IP/5 ER) in 27 appearances.
Pearce has been selected to participate in the E.L. All-Star Game despite spending the entire month of April with the Class-A Lynchburg Hillcats in the Carolina League. The right-handed hitting first baseman, who was selected by Pittsburgh in the 8th round of the 2005 June Draft out of the University of South Carolina, is currently batting .330 (67-for-203) with 19 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs and 50 RBI in just 58 games with the Curve and leads the league in slugging percentage (.606) and OPS (1.002).
Pearce’s combined 22 home runs and 75 RBI between Lynchburg and Altoona both rank third among all minor league hitters entering Monday’s action. The 24-year old native of Lakeland, FL enjoyed an outstanding month of June, batting .404 (40-for-89) with eight home runs and 34 RBI in 27 games during the month.
Walker, a converted catcher who in his first season playing third base in the Pirates’ organization, is one of the youngest Eastern League All-Star Game selections at just 21 years of age. The Pirates’ first round selection (11th overall) in the 2004 June Draft out of Pittsburgh’s Pine-Richland High School is currently hitting .302 with 24 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs and 42 RBI in 78 games for Altoona.