Swamped North Takes Down South; Herring Takes Home John Watterson MVP

by Ryan Fitzpatrick

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt. – Nine SwampBats competed and made an impact in the 2025 NECBL All-Star game as the Northern Division takes care of the Southern Division 3-1in the summer classic. The Northern Division was also led by the SwampBats' coaching staff, Shaun McKenna (head coach), Stephen Bangs (pitching coach), and Casey O'Brien (hitting coach).

The SwampBats' very own Ben Rabatin (Kent St) got the start on the mound for the North, securing the win in his inning of work. Rabatin worked into some trouble, but pitched out of it as he struck out two batters.

In the bottom half of the first inning, Keene's Ty Mainolfi (Boston) led off for the North with a walk. After advancing to second on a groundout, Keene's Jack Herring (East Carolina) was set up for an RBI knock, bringing Mainolfi in. Herring came around to score from second base the following at bat after a single, making it an important 2-0 lead in the first.

Marshal Lipsey (Florida Atlantic) walked later that inning and went on to do so again in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Ripken Reese (Kent St), who represented the Keene SwampBats in the home run derby before the game (hitting 3 home runs), recorded a hit in his only plate appearance.

Ben Dean (Duke) came in for relief in the 6th inning, and allowed 3 straight base runners, but didn't allow any damage to come of it after striking out 2 straight to end the inning.

Todd Kniebbe (Kansas St) shut the door with the save in the 9th inning. Representing the third SwampBats pitcher to make an appearance and not allow a run. Kniebbe struck out two batters as he retired the side in order.

Herring received the John Watterson MVP Award for his outstanding performance.

The SwampBats are heading to Sanford as a team on Tuesday to take on the Mainers as they look to clinch the division. First pitch is set for 6:30 and will be streamed on ESPN+.