Eureka reached the postseason earlier than anticipated this season, squeaking ahead of Kansas City by two games with 88 wins. The team was led by a stellar season from Mike Bergeron. He managed to play all 162 games, with 40 HRs, 122 RBIs and Runs Scored, and a .339 BA/.402 OBP/.609 SLG batting line.
Other young players and rookies were a big part of Eureka's success, too. Royce Butterfield became the ace of the rotation, with a 14-8 record and a 3.28 ERA. Paul Green became a reliable starter, with a 13-11 record and a 3.97 ERA. Anthony Atkinson, a future ace, came up partway into the season and fashioned a 5-7 record with a 4.92 ERA.
There were some new and/or significantly improved offensive players this season, too. Clement Milford came up for the last half of the season to plug a hole at shortstop, and brought significant energy to the top of the lineup: .289 BA/.348 OBP/.394 SLG, with 58 runs scored and 35 stolen bases. Orlando Carranzo also brought energy to the top of the lineup: .285 BA/.346 OBP/.437 SLG, 22 HRs, 96 RBI, 93 Runs Scored. Veterans Eduardo Gomez (.289 BA/.365 OBP/.481 SLG, 24 HRs, 108 RBIs) and Michael Brown (.306 BA/.370 OBP/.509 SLG) also contributed strong seasons.
Eureka heads into the playoffs with excitement and energy, hoping to advance beyond the first round.
