|
After three years in the division basement, White River Rascals (82-72) manager Mick Cronyn made some good progress with a fourth-place finish, tied with Oxford and Mahaska, 13 games off the pace... the Rascals waited almost 20 years before making the postseason in 2021... overall they have captured 4 pennants, the last one in 2027, but have never won the Pro Cup... White River lost twice in the TU title game to Pro Cup champ Tuckanarra in 2023 and 2024.
White River has good pitching, led by ace Paul Sardini (10-3) and Gregg Moore (19-9)... Sardini missed half the season with an injury, but did make the All-Star team... Sardini had a 1.73 ERA, but didn't have enough innings to qualify for the ERA title... All-Star closer Ike Phelps (6-3) was outstanding in the bullpen with 22 saves and a 1.35 ERA in 62 games... rookie 1B Davey Sloan did well with 31 homers and 79 RBIs, but hit just .262... another rookie CF Clive Kenyon showed promise with 17 homers, 64 RBIs and a .303 BA in 102 games... Cronyn needs improved hitting... not much punch or average in the Rascals lineup.
|