Mid-Season Report

The first half of the SWBL season has seen three teams begin to pull away from the pack.  In the south, the Boissevain Centennials (6-1) have established a 2.5 game lead on the rest of the division.  The Cents boast the top two eligible hitters (min 14 AB) in the league with Josh Wood (.571) and Skylar Canada (.500).  2018 league MVP Patrick Vandorne also cracks the top 10 at 6th with a .458 average.

In the North, both the Rivers Comets (8-1) and the Hamiota Red Sox (7-2) have rode perfect home records to the top two spots in the division.  With just one player in the top 10 in batting average (Ryan Shaw, 9th, .440), the Comets can attribute much of their success to their pitching staff.  Rivers pitchers have allowed a league low 2.78 runs/game, including the 4th through 7th lowest eligible ERA's (minimum 7 IP) in the league:  John Hutton 0.62, Scott Beever 0.67, Dana McNish 0.84, and Cody Nolan 0.88.  Meanwhile, the Hamiota Red Sox have gotten out to their hot start as somewhat of a statistical anomoly.  Brody Smith leads the team in both average .412 and ERA 2.10, but those rank 18th and 12th respectively in the league.  Thier +8 run differential is just 7th in the league despite having the 2nd most wins.

The Oak River Dodgers (5-4) are riding a 3-game winning streak heading into the back half of the season.  The Dodgers hold the league's best pitcher, Reece Ciprick (3-1, 0.00) who has yet to relinquinsh an earned run in 12 1/3 innings.

The Reston Rockets (4-4) currently sit 4th in the North Division.  Last year's Rookie of the Year John Patmore has picked up where he left off as he is currently hitting .321 with a team high 2 home runs.  Patmore also sits 10th in league ERA (1.24 in 17 IP).

The Virden Oilers (3-5) have leaned on Jeff Peel to carry much of the load thus far.  Peel's .474 average is good for 4th in the league while his 20 1/3 innings pitched also places him 4th in league totals.

One bright spot for the Elkhorn Expos (1-7) has been the bat of Brad Bowles.  His .467 aveage places him 5th in the league.  Bowles also leads the team in doubles (3), stolen bases (2), and OB% (.529).

The Deloraine Royals (4-4) hold a comfortable 1.5 game lead for 2nd place in the South Division.  The long ball has been a major aspect of their success.  5 players:  Andrew Vercaigne (3), David Hodgson (3), Marc Edwards (3), Eric Sorenson (2), and Mitch Olson (2) have combined for nearly 1/3 of all home runs in the entire league this year (13 of 41).

Fans attending Hartney Hopper (2-5) games have been treated to excellent defence and pitching.  Games involving the Hoppers have averaged just 6.71 combined runs, which is a full 3 runs lower than the next lowest team, the Rivers Comets at 9.78.  The Hoppers have been led on the mound by Jesse Skelton (1-0, 1.00) and Regan Bertholet (1-0, 1.00).

The Wawanesa Brewers (2-5) sit tied for 3rd in the South Division.  Veteran Derek McGregor has led the charge in Wawanesa leading all eligible players with a .368 average and a 2.69 ERA.

Tyson Kozak has been all over the scoresheet for the Souris Cardinals (2-6) this season.  Kozak sits third in SWBL batting with a .500 average and is the league leader in hits with 14.  He has also produced on the mound, starting four games for Souris while earning a 1-1 record.