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They lost the first two games 7-2 and 5-2 at Seaman Stadium.
But when looking at the season scope, there were positives.
The Dawgs averaged 3,400 fans per game, including 4,228 for their final regular season game at Seaman Stadium on July 30, a 5-2 win over the Medicine Hat Mavericks. With the victory, they took first place in the Western Division and captured the President’s Cup with the top record (34-14) in the 12-team loop.
The Dawgs had five players named first team WMBL all-stars, including outfielder Brendan Rose, third-baseman Michael Gretler, first-baseman Kellen Murruffo, starting pitcher CJ Lewington and relief pitcher Anthony Baldaras. Taylor Davis, a relief pitcher, was also dubbed a second team all-star.
“Despite the early exit from the playoffs, the support has been phenomenal,” Ircandia said. “The reception of the sport remains pretty phenomenal.
“We had a lot of things that were very positive.”
Ircandia said he was pleased with the first-year coaching staff, including head coach Tyler Graham, who currently serves as an undergraduate assistant coach at Oregon State University, and pitching coach Andy Peterson, also out of Oregon State.
“Over the course of the year, they got some better insight to how competitive the league is and the quality of players they need to win,” Ircandia said. “They wouldn’t have had that before. They have a better idea of the player that’s necessary to succeed … those are things we’re looking forward to.”
On Twitter: @Kristen_Odland
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