The Meadow Lake White Sox put together a tremendous campaign just a season ago. With an overall record of 11-6, the sky's the limit for this team heading into 2016.
After sweeping the St. Walburg Reds in the opening round of the playoffs, the White Sox dropped two consecutive games to the Lloydminster Twins, and just like that their fantastic run came to a disappointing finish. With such a short schedule, it is imperative to catch lightning in a bottle and ride momentum throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. Even the great teams can fall to those who do so.
“We had a successful year last season, finishing second in the standings, and we expect to be a top tier team again this season,” head coach and manager Kevin Gerwing said.
Despite finishing second, the White Sox batted just .210 as a team in 2015, but were able to come through with runners in scoring position. Jordan Oystrick was a big part of the White Sox success, driving in six runs and leading the team with five extra-base hits. Gerwing also had an excellent year, slashing a .297 average. After their top two hitters, though, the offence battled to stay consistent.
“We struggled offensively last year with guys having prolonged slumps at the plate,” Gerwing said. “This year, we will look to improve that by taking more batting practice. We started to hit in the second half of the season so we are looking for a better start.”
On the other side of the ball, it was their defence and pitching staff that kept them in most games. Quincy Winkler was the ace in their rotation, throwing 42 innings in 2015. He was the workhorse and started the majority of the season. His 1.17 ERA sets him apart from the rest of the league and is quite evidently one of the best pitchers in the NSRBL. He finished the year with a record of 4-1, while striking out an outstanding 65 batters, with a sub one WHIP. In his 42 innings, he allowed just seven earned runs.
“We have one of the top pitchers in the league in Quincy,” Gerwing said. “He has electric stuff and we are looking for him to have another solid year. Craig Weran always keeps us in the game and gives us a chance to win. Our defense was solid last year and we will try to replicate that.”
Weran was someone the White Sox could turn to if need be, throwing 25 innings while ending the year 3-1. Although he didn’t put up quite the same numbers as Winkler, he was reliable when he toed the rubber, and displayed excellent command. He struck out 16 while issuing the free pass to just two batters in 2015.
The Sox travel to Mervin to play the Flyers in their season opener May 25.
