Volcanoes finish third as pennant race decided on final day
Published on October 11, 2004 under Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
After claiming their third division title in six years in 2003, Salem-Keizer (37-39) finished third in the West in 2004. The Volcanoes were eliminated in a thrilling pennant race with Vancouver and Everett with two days left in the season. The Canadians won the division crown on the final day before losing the NWL Championship Series to Boise, three games to none.
Manager Joe Strain returned for his second season at the helm and led the Volcanoes to a 14-10 record (second best in the league) after 24 games. Then, against Tri-City on July 13, S-K lost second baseman and "number 3" hitter Kevin Frandsen with a broken collarbone when he was hit by a base runner while fielding a ground ball. It was a key loss. While the team stayed in the title chase until the final weekend, they were never again four games over .500.
After winning three of four against Boise, the Volcanoes were 29-26 and just two games out of first on August 14. After losing the finale to the Hawks, 8-7, and dropping five of six in a critical series with Everett, the Volcanoes faced a deficit they would be unable to erase. However, by sweeping a late-season series in Everett, they helped Vancouver win the title by one game.
Salem-Keizer had its second batting champion in 2004 as Brian Horwitz led league hitters with a .347 mark (see following story). S-K had its best defensive team, making only 82 errors to shatter the franchise record of 90. The Volcanoes total was the second lowest in NWL history.
On July 4, Salem-Keizer welcomed the largest crowd of the seasonâ5,329âto watch the team's annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular following the game. It was the fourth largest crowd in franchise history and the second largest since 2000. The team's 1,000,000th fan, Don Ferschweiler of Gervais, came through the gates with his wife on September 3. They have been season ticket holders since 1998.
Northwest League Stories from October 11, 2004
- Volcanoes finish third as pennant race decided on final day - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
