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THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Saturday, October 9, 2038
HAWKS SLIGHT PRO CUP FAVORITE
Five pennants in a row and two Pro Cups in the last four years have put the North Hills Hawks in the role of favorite in the 2038 IPA Pro Cup Finals, set to start tomorrow afternoon at the Hawk's Nest in North Hills. In addition, the Hawks were ranked fourth by the baseball experts in The Islandian Times Pro Cup poll, while their opponent, Far Mountain, was rated only seventh. Still, it should be a very close series, going six or seven games. North Hills got to the Pro Cup Finals by defeating fifth-ranked Turon and eighth-rated La Claire, while Far Mountain got past number two Claxton and number six Colfax.
This season Far Mountain returned to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. The Redhawks have captured three Pro Cups in their history. They all came in consecutive years - 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Statistically, the Hawks get the nod based on regular season numbers, but the Redhawks have done better in the postseason with its outstanding mound corps. Far Mountain posted a superb 2.19 ERA against two of the best hitting clubs in the IPA. North Hills had a higher 3.46 ERA against lesser opponents. So far in the playoffs, neither club has stood out at the plate. The Redhawks have the edge .248 to .245. Record-wise they were both 12-8.
North Hills hit .279 (3rd) during the year with 156 home runs (18th) and scored 751 runs (9th-tied)... on the hill they led the league with an excellent 3.01 ERA (1st)... only Cold Creek of the RU East was better with a brilliant 2.81 ERA... the Hawks have a quality bullpen (3.30 ER-7th)... on the defensive side the Hawks did very well with a .976 FA.
In the regular season Far Mountain batted .264 (18th) with 153 dingers (16th-tied) and scored 747 runs (13th)... on the mound the put up a 3.57 ERA (5th)... the Redhawks were just average with the gloves with a .972 mark... they are very poor in the bullpen with a 4.50 ERA (28th)... if Far Mountain's starters continue to shut down the opposition, they could surprise and take home a fourth Pro Cup... that will be the key to the series.
North Hills:
Top Starters: David Michael (22-13/2.53), Jeff Owens (20-13/2.81), Frankie Lambert (16-10/2.80), Tony Mack (18-11/3.32)
Top Relievers: Joey Santini (6-6/3.14/7 saves), Kyle Oliver (6-5/3.27/7 saves)
Top Batters: RF Adam Thurgood (.326 BA/40 HR/122 RBI/101 R), RF Gerry Rice (.340 BA/8 HR/45 RBI/79 R), 1B Ric Hamilton (.297 BA/23 HR/86 RBI/91 R), 2B Tommy Vavas (.308 BA/10 HR/61 RBI/84 R), 3B Jim McDermott (.283 BA/19 HR/78 RBI/60 R)
In the postseason David Michael (3-1/1.73) has stood out in 4 starts... so has Jeff Owens with a 2-1 record and a fine 1.67 ERA in 3 starts... Tony Mack has done well in his 2 starts with a 1-0 mark and a 3.00 ERA... closer Joey Santini has not allowed a run in 4 relief appearances with 3 saves and a 1-0 record... a key factor will be starter Frankie Lambert regaining his regular season form... he was 1-2 in 3 starts with a poor 6.10 ERA... in the batter's box the big sticks have been 3B Jim McDermott (.375 BA/2 HR/8 RBI/10 R), SS Norris Henry (.357 BA/0 HR/3 RBI/8 R), CF Kris Anastas (.271 BA/3 HR/12 RBI/4 R), LF Adam Thurgood (.184 BA/4 HR/10 RBI/7 R) and RF Gerry Rice (.277 BA/1 HR/5 RBI/7 R).
Far Mountain:
Top Starters: Dennis Sasek (2-3/2.81), Karl Nordheim (20-12/3.56), Frankie Moreland (20-14/3.31), Chad Cummings (17-16/3.54)
Top Relievers: Kippy Wilhelm (7-3/3.77/4 saves), Paul Young (6-9/4.29/14 saves). Keith Griggs (1-0/2.91/2 saves)
Top Batters: LF Harlan Silver (.326 BA/23 HR/85 RBI/81 R), 1B John Burrell (.300/25 HR/94 RBI/78 R), SS Dan Vance (.324 BA/3 HR/39 RBI/75 R)
In the playoffs the Redhawks have been led by its superb starters... Karl Nordheim is 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA in 3 starts... Frankie Moreland is 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA in 3 starts... Chad Cummings is 1-1 with a 1.06 ERA in 2 starts... and Dennis Sasek is 1-2 with a 3.19 in 4 starts... most of the regulars are hitting under .300 in the postseason... they will have to hit better to beat the Hawks.
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