2015 Hurricanes Blank Indians to Capture 18+ National Title in Indiana
Indiana Baseball League 18+ National Division
Hurricanes 7, Indians 0
‘Rupert Complete Game Shut-out Secures Championship’
Submitted by Kyle Anderson, ‘Canes manager
After a long season created by injuries and inclement weather the Canes were able to make it to their fourth straight Indiana Baseball League Championship. The Canes were able to make it to the playoffs by compiling a 14-3 record with solid offense (third in the league with runs) and the best pitching (first in runs allowed) in the league. With a tandem of new and old guys, the Canes were able to mold together a well bonded team that allowed them to succeed. First time manager Kyle Anderson, winner of the Manager of the Year Award 18+, took over the reins from a 14 year veteran and experienced manager, Phil Belcher. Phil took a team that was struggling and created a competing team that has been to the Championship the past three years, winning two Championships during his tenure.
In the championship game the Canes were able to jump out early to a 2-0 lead with some quality at bats and patience from AJ Smith, Deaun Williams and the top of the order scoring from Jude Burger and Tim Anderson. The Canes were able to add one in the second inning to make it 3-0 with timely hitting from Phil Belcher and patience at the plate from Jacob Cooper and Travis Capps, scoring Andrew Smith. In the third Tony Bruns got the inning going with a single which later he scored off the bat of Kyle Anderson making the score 4-0 in the. They finally put the nail in coffin in the seventh scoring three more that would later be the final score of 7-0.
The Canes had a helpful hand from their Ace Cory Rupert, who threw a complete game, four-hitter, with 7 K’s, and Preston Shelton who had a stellar second year behind the plate. This was just an example of how well he threw this year and earned himself his second Cy Young award in his four year career in the IBL finishing with 47 innings, four earned runs, 56 K’s and a .77 ERA. Overall this was another team effort year for the Canes that earned them the Championship and will hopefully lead them into the 2016 season as they look to repeat as the IBL Champs!