Fuentes, ’Topes shine; Bregman joins HR Derby

Baseball’s midsummer showcases have a heavy dose of Albuquerque influence this year.

Albuquerque’s own Alex Bregman, the Houston Astros third baseman who will play in next week’s MLB All-Star Game, will also take part in Monday night’s Home Run Derby at National’s Park in Washington, D.C.

Bregman, the 24-year-old who starred at Albuquerque Academy, leads the defending World Series champion Astros in home runs at 19.

He will take on Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber in the first round on Monday, the day before the actual All-Star Game on Tuesday.

But Bregman is hardly the only one with local ties making all-star news.

On Wednesday night in Columbus, Ohio, three Albuquerque Isotopes all-stars helped lead the Pacific Coast League to a 12-7 win over the International League.

’Topes third baseman Josh Fuentes was named the PCL’s game MVP after the 25-year-old was 2-for-3 at the plate with a home run and two RBIs.

Both of his hits came in the second inning when the PCL batted around.

Fuentes is the second Isotope named all-star MVP, joining Valentino Pascucci (2007).

Two other Isotopes had big nights in Ohio on Wednesday, too. Closer D.J. Johnson struck out a hitter for the one out he recorded and outfielder Mike Tauchmna was 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and a stolen base.

The Isotopes return to action tonight at Las Vegas and return home vs. El Paso on Monday.