F.C. News Hounds Send 3 to NABA All-Star Game Tonight

The Falls Church News Hounds will send three players to DC National Adult Baseball Association (NABA) All-Star game tonight at 8 p.m. at Shirley Povich Field in Maryland.

The News Hounds, sponsored by the Falls Church News-Press are in their second season in the DC NABA league, battling for second place in the Virginia Division.

George Mason High School alums Jody Fellows and Jason Wippich along with James Madison High School grad Ryan Doyle will represent the Hounds in a matchup of the league's Virginia and WARBL Divisions.

Starting pitcher Jason Wippich entered the 2004 season looking to build on last season's strong performance. In doing so, he quickly emerged as the News Hound "ace." In Wippich's last outing, he struck out 15 batters in seven innings of work-- an effort only slightly above his season average of 1.7 strikeouts per inning.

Centerfielder Ryan Doyle, although solid at the plate last season, seemed determined to improve upon his game in 2004. With gifted speed and a sweet left handed stroke, Doyle leads the News Hounds in hits (25), triples (2), RBI's (9), average (.500), slugging (.680) and is second on the team in runs scored (14).

Shortstop Jody Fellows, who will be attending the game as an alternate, continues to shine at the lead-off position for the Hounds. Though his batting average is slightly down from previous seasons, he is never the less making the most of his time on base as he leads the team in stolen bases (29) and runs scored (17). Always smooth with the glove, Jody is the heart and soul of a very dangerous News Hounds double play combo.

After the All-Star break, the News Hounds are back in action this Sunday against their division rivals the Alexandria A's at Oakton High School at 9 a.m.

For schedules, field locations and more, visit www.eteamz.com/nabadc.