The Jackals enjoyed a day off on Monday, but slugging first baseman Dalton Combs had a big day.

     First, he was named as the Frontier League’s Player the Week.

     Then, he was named to lead the New Jersey contingent as a starter in next week’s league All-Star game.

     Second baseman Justin Wylie and outfielder Josh Rehwaldt will join Combs in the East Division’s starting lineup in the ceremonial game next Wednesday night at Wild Things Park in Washington, PA.

     Jackals catcher Jason Agresti also earned All-Star status as a reserve for the East squad.

     Combs currently leads the league with a .407 batting average and is third in the league with 49 RBI, after playing in all 50 of New Jersey’s games so far.

     Last week, he had 16 hits, 13 RBI and three home runs, including his biggest night of the year on Friday at Yogi Berra Stadium when he went 4-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI.

     Combs brings a 23-game hitting strak into tonight’s home game against the Sussex County Miners.

     Rehwaldt, batting .319, currently leads the league with 17 home runs and ranks seventh with 43 RBI, while Wylie (.301) is fourth in the league with 47 RBI.

By Carl Barbati, former sports editor of the New Jersey Herald, Daily Record and The Daily Trentonian.