MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Kasparek Wins MWL ERA Title

Published on September 8, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


Clinton, IA - Clinton LumberKings' right-hander Kenn Kasparek finished with the lowest ERA in the Midwest League amongst qualifying pitchers, effective with the end of the regular season yesterday. Kasparek's 2.41 ERA bested Kane County's Kenny Smalley, who finished second with a 2.73 ERA.

The 23-year-old Kasparek was Seattle's 12th round pick in 2008 out of the University of Texas. After struggling with an 0-2 record and 7.71 ERA in three April starts, he became one of the league's most dominant pitchers with a 10-4 record and 1.92 ERA over the rest of the season. He becomes the first Clinton pitcher to finish with the league's best ERA since Salomon Torres did in 1991 with a 1.41 ERA for the Midwest League Champion Clinton Giants.

Kasparek finished atop the club in wins (10), starts (27), quality starts (10), innings (141.2) and strikeouts (134). His 134 strikeouts and 1.12 WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) were both third-best in the league.

Kasparek had several highlights in 2009. He won the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week award on June 7 (0-0, 1.62 ERA, 18 strikeouts in 11.1 innings during the week), the only league pitching award claimed by a Clinton hurler this year. On August 3, he tossed a complete-game, three-hit shutout in a 5-0 win over Burlington, becoming the first LumberKing to toss a complete-game shutout since Chris Barlow did it on August 19, 2002 with an 11-0 win over Wisconsin.

The LumberKings begin the 2010 season at Alliant Energy Field on Thursday, April 8 against the Peoria Chiefs. Game time is yet to be determined. For tickets, merchandise and more information, visit www.lumberkings.com.

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Midwest League Stories from September 8, 2009


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