LAKEWOOD, N.J. — Will Stewart set a modest goal for his first full season in pro ball. Quite simply, he wanted to complete six innings in as many starts as possible.
In his wildest fantasy, he never imagine starting an all-star game.
But when the South Atlantic League All-Stars gather Tuesday in Greensboro, N.C., Stewart will be the first pitcher to take the ball for the Northern Division after a dreamy first half of the season. In 11 starts for Lakewood, the Phillies’ low-A affiliate, the 20-year-old lefthander is 6-0 with a 1.13 ERA, 60 strikeouts and only nine walks in 71 2/3 innings.