The North Division hitters punish the South pitchers with nine hits, including two home runs, for a 6-1 victory in the Southern League All-Star Game at Zebulon.

Victor Mercedes singled and later scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch, giving host Birmingham a victory over Carolina on Saturday night.

Tudor:Players scheduled to compete in tonight's Southern League All-Star Game at Zebulon's Five County Stadium could be as close to a debut in the majors as they are to a text message from their agents.

Many future big leaguers have played in All-Star Game / If they aren't in the Futures Game, many players who have competed in Southern League's big event make it to the majors.

When the 2008 Southern League All-Stars take the field tonight at Five County Stadium, seven Carolina Mudcats will play before the home fans.

Through Friday's games.

The Southern League was formed in 1885 with eight charter teams: Atlanta, Augusta, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Columbus, Macon, Memphis and Nashville.

MERCEDES RULES: Victor Mercedes singled and later scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch, giving the host Birmingham Barons a 5-3 win over the Carolina Mudcats on Saturday night.

The members of the Southern League and their major league affiliations:

Some day, John Raynor may have to leave the Tar Heel state to play baseball.

BARONS 9, MUDCATS 8

CLUTCH CATS: Grant Psomas hit a two-run triple in the sixth inning and later scored on a single by Brad Davis to help the visiting Carolina Mudcats defeat the Birmingham Barons on Thursday night.