Sox Scoops 40.158: "Class A Team Clinches Playoff Berth"

[HoosierVic]

By Rick Mariotti
Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online

Chicago’s Class A affiliate, the Grand Junction Gold Sox, last week clinched its first playoff appearance since 2031.

Although the Provost League’s West Central Division championship is still up for grabs as the season enters its final 8 days, the Gold Sox have clinched at least a wild card spot.

As of the morning of Aug. 25, the Gold Sox were 85-48, good for a 3-game lead over Aspen in the division race.

“It’s been a long time since Grand Junction played meaningful games this late in the season,” said Manager Eduardo Martinez. “But we’ve followed our Blueprint™ from day one, mixing good pitching and timely hitting and it’s paid off.”

The Gold Sox have benefitted from the presence of some of Chicago’s top prospects on their roster.

• Outfielder Hao Hang, the first pick in the 2039 draft, has put together a monster season, slashing .336/.386/.674 with 35 homers, 99 RBIs, and 7.5 WAR with a little over a week left.

• Ricardo Torres, who has played right field this season, has gone .316/.340/.563 with 26 homers, 116 RBIs, and 4.9 WAR so far.

• SP Andresa Frederico has anchored the rotation, going 14-5 over 183.2 innings, with a 3.87 ERA, 155 Ks, 29 BBs, and 2.3 WAR.

This postseason appearance will be just the 5th in Grand Junction’s 45-year history. The Gold Sox have never won the league championship.

“It’s been an exciting year for Grand Junction,” said Chicago GM Vic Caleca. “The main thing is it’s given some of best young players pennant race experience, and now they’ll have a chance to play in the post-season. This is good for the Gold Sox, good for our players, and good for the Black Sox organization as a whole.

“Congratulations, Grand Junction!”