The Visalia Rawhide clinched the North Division first-half crown Saturday night, bypassing the first round of the playoffs and earning an automatic berth in the Division Finals. The Rawhide built a huge lead in the division and were never threatened.
A seven-game win streak in April lifted the club’s record to 14-3 and it finished the month at 17-4. Strong pitching has been a huge part of the dominant season, currently leading the league in ERA, WHIP and shutouts.
On offense, the trio of Daniel Palka, Stewart Ijames and Kevin Cron have consistently provided power in the middle of the lineup.
Visalia is in the playoffs for the third straight year, with the first-half title being its first since 1990.
