KMets Finish Sucessful Season

The Kingsport Mets wrapped up the 2011 Appalachian League baseball season in style winning 29 of it's last 39 games to finish with an overall record of 39-29. The clip is good for 5th best in the teams 31 year franchise history. After a sluggish start Manager Frank Fultz guided his team to the brink of a playoff appearance as the club was arguably the hottest team in the league down the stretch run of the season. Offensively the team was led by All Appalachian League catcher Cam Maron (.318/3/24) as well as outfielders Greg Pron (.318/7/34), Dustin Lawley (.284/9/43) and Julio Concepcion (.320/2/33). Others making contributions were catcher/designated hitter Jeffrey Glenn (.255/3/19), corner infielders Luke Stewart (.234/6/28) and Tant Shepherd (.241/3/15) in addition to middle infielders Juan Gamboa (.256/3/10), Yucarybert De la Cruz (.251/1/19) and Chad Zurcher (.283/0/11). The top two contributors to the pitching staff were right-handers Bret Mitchell and Ernesto Yanez. A starter, Mitchell posted a record of 5-1 with a 2.95 ERA. In 40 innings pitched he allowed just 24 hits while striking out 38 batters and walking 12. Yanez, a reliever, had a dazzling 0.40 ERA with a perfect 1-0 record while recording 2 saves. Due to their good work, both hurlers received promotions in early August. Other top performers on the staff were Jacob Lugo (5-2, 3.66) as well as the talented trio of hard throwing youngsters Domingo Tapia (5-5, 3.78), Akeel Morris (3-2, 3.86) and Juan Urbina (4-6, 5.95). Jared West (0-1, 1.96, 10 saves), Darwin Frias (1-2, 2.25, 2 saves) and Hansel Robels (3-1, 2.68, 1 save) were leaders in the bullpen. The KMets had a strong year off the field as well as the club finished 2nd in the league in attendance. In addition no home games were missed due to rain. The squad was also active in the community making several appearances to local children's centers and elementary schools.