Fifth Sand Gnat Player Makes All-Star Team

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Left handed starting pitcher Robert Carson has been added to the Southern Division All-Star squad, the league announced late Friday afternoon.  This is the first All-Star selection for the 20-year-old Carson and he is the fifth Sand Gnat to earn a selection this season. 

The Hattiesburg, Miss. native earned his fourth win of the year Thursday night in Savannah’s, 3-1, win over the Charleston RiverDogs.  Carson worked six innings and allowed just one run on three hits with four strikeouts.  He lowered his season ERA to 2.63, which is now ninth best in the SAL. 

Carson has worked at least five innings in all but one start this season and has gone six innings in seven out of his 13 starts in 2009.  On April 18, Carson took a no-hit bid through 5.2 innings in Augusta as the Gnats defeated the GreenJackets, 18-3, in Augusta. 

On the road this year he has been lights out, posting a 3-2 record with a 0.95 ERA (four earned runs in 38.0 innings pitched). 

In addition to Carson being added to the roster, outfielder Sean Ratliff has been asked to participate in the 2009 Home Run Derby that will take place prior to the game on Tuesday, June 23. 

The All-Star Jamboree kicks off in Charleston, W.Va. on Monday, June 22 with the derby and the game to follow on Tuesday, June 23.