Rawhide Still in First Half Division Race
Published on June 6, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
It was not the seven-game road trip the Rawhide were looking to have when they hit the road on May 30th to face Lancaster. The 'Hide dropped three of four to the JetHawks before narrowly avoiding a sweep at the hands of the California League's worst team, Lake Elsinore. They gave up double-digit runs in five of the seven games, surrenduring a whopping 74 runs to the opposition.
All things considered, the Rawhide (33-26)are in the same exact position they were in entering the long road trip: 2.0 games back of the division-leading San Jose Giants (35-24). There are only 11 games left to play in the first half with eight of them scheduled to be played at Rawhide Ballpark. That serves as good news for the 'Hide, as the team has fared much better at home (20-7) as opposed to the road (13-19). The three road games will be played in Bakersfield, against the North Division, cellar-dwelling Blaze.
The Stockton Ports (33-26) have won six in a row to date, and are also nipping at the heals of San Jose, as they are currently tied with the Rawhide for second place in the North Division.
The first half of the season will wrap up with a four-game series against the San Jose Giants at home from June 13th-June 16th. The goal for the team will obviously be to keep pace with their division rivals, or even gain some ground if possible.
The importance of a First Half Division Championship cannot be understated. The first half winner from each division will receive an automatic playoff berth, a first round bye, as well as ensure themselves homefield for at least the first two games of the playoffs. No Visalia team has won the first half since 1990, and the organization is currently in its sixth season of an agonizing playoff drought.
This Visalia team has a chance to end that drought within the next 10 days. How will this group of players fare against the adversity of injuries, rapid player movements, and the pressure of having to battle uphill against a heavily favored San Jose Giants team. Only time will tell over these next handful of games.
Be a part of the history and the playoff chase. Get your tickets at the Rawhide ticket office or online at RawhideBaseball.com.
California League Stories from June 6, 2013
- San Bernardino and Riverside Counties Play Ball June 13th - Inland Empire 66ers
- Rawhide Still in First Half Division Race - Visalia Rawhide
- Ports Win Sixth Straight in Home Run Derby - Stockton Ports
- Nuts Win, Take Series from San Jose - Modesto Nuts
- Quakes Avoid Sweep, Beat Sixers 8-3 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- JetHawks Swept, Tie Record with Ports - Lancaster JetHawks
- Mavs Jump out Early, Tackle Blaze 15-9 - Bakersfield Blaze
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