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As most of the Waffletown lineup heads home for the all-star break, the buzz around the ballpark is a mix of cocky confidence (as the team sits atop the NC Central division with a conference best 59-37 record and a 5.5 game cushion over second place Redmond), and pessimistic prognostication (with 7 straight playoff appearances and 90+ wins in 6 of the last 7 seasons, but no championship to show for it). The more the Syrups continue their solid regular season play, the higher the fans expectations rise for post season success.
"If we make it to the playoffs, we just need to forget that it's the playoffs and just act like it's any other game." said left fielder Billy Hamilton. "Maybe then we can bring home another championship."
On the mound, the pitching quartet of Gomez (11-4, 143.1 IP, 162K), Dean (11-5, 140.1 IP, 140K), Plank (12-4, 2.41 ERA) and Cooper (10-5) are providing an impressive rotation that leaves little room for error from the competition. In those cases where the starters need some help, the bullpen has provided a solid safety net from Jack Stivetts (2.04 ERA, opp avg of .169, 11.2 K/9), Paul Dean (48.1 IP, 66K, opp avg of .210, 12.3 K/9) and Wilcy Moore (22 SV, opp avg of .217).
On the offensive side, even though he has only been a part of the team since mid-May, George Sisler is already making his presence felt as he sits tied with Harry Heilmann for the team home run lead (13) and third on the team in RBIs with 55. His .330 average leads the team as well, but doesn't officially qualify as he doesn't have enough at bats.
Waffletown will send five players to this year's all-star game:
C - Ernie Lombardi (9th appearance)
LF - Sliding Billy Hamilton (5th appearance)
SP - Eddie Plank (3rd appearance)
SP - Lefty Gomez (2nd appearance)
1B - George Sisler (1st appearance)
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