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The third-place Fort Benton Defenders (79-75) made the first division for the sixth time in the last seven seasons with Robbie Brooks at the helm, but they never were really in the hunt, winding up 19 games out of first place... the Defenders have never made the postseason... Brooks has three outstanding starters, but not much of a bullpen, nor much hitting... Frankie Blair (21-12), Augie Marquis (18-13) and Edd Farmer (11-15) give Brooks strong starters, who combined for a great 2.45 ERA... Fort Benton topped the RU with a 2.96 ERA... they were fifth-best staff in the IPA after the TU's San Alejo (2.73), Mahaska (2.83) and Midway (.290)... defense (.970 FA) and hitting hurt the Defenders' cause... 3B Monty McMurtry (.332), 2B Hans Gustavsen (.310) and CF Danny Riesner (.286) led the bats.
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