Erie SeaWolves continue their hunt for the playoffs

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Megan Mckay, Contributing writer

Erie’s very own minor league baseball team is currently tied in first place in their league. The Erie SeaWolves are chasing the post-season playoffs and have been off to a great start thus far. The team is also about to surpass a franchise record with over 167 home runs this season.

Erie’s AA SeaWolves are affiliates with the Major League Base-ball’s (MLB) Detroit Tigers. As opposed to Erie’s success, Detroit has struggled this season. The Tigers stand in last place in the AL Central division. However, Erie’s young talent is hoping to turn things around.

Throughout the season, five SeaWolves players were called up to play for the Tigers. Among the young stars making their debuts include Spencer Torkelson, Josh Lester, Ryan Kreidler, Kerry Carpenter and No. 2 overall prospect Riley Greene. Tigers manager, A.J. Hinch, told the Detroit Roots,

“There are jobs to be won here. There’s also experience to be gained…One of the things that some young players do better than others is to develop a process that they stick with.”

Under manager Gabe Alvarez the SeaWolves organization has rocketed this season and has been well-liked all around. With six away games remaining the team is set to clinch their playoff berth.

At the beginning of the month the wolves finished a 5-game series against the Bowie Baysox with three wins. Last week, the team played a series of home games against Altoona. Altoona unfortunately took the first two games on Tuesday and Wednesday. However the SeaWolves bounced back Thursday night winning 9-2.

On Friday, Sept. 9, Altoona held off the SeaWolves ending in a loss 1-3. After Friday night’s close game, fans enjoyed spectacular Zambelli fireworks. Fans were able to watch the sky light up from inside the SeaWolves dugout and on the home field. The SeaWolves closed their last two home games of the season against Altoona over the weekend.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, Altoona took their fourth win of the series, the SeaWolves fell 6-13. The SeaWolves finished their final home game of the regular season with a quick turnaround on Sunday, Sept. 11, where they won in the eleventh inning. For any fans interested in SeaWolves promotional home games, Thursdays are two buck Thursdays and Fridays are fireworks. Kids also have the chance to run the bases after games. Be on the lookout for free giveaways, fun promotions and great entertainment next season back at UPMC Park.

The SeaWolves now have six games remaining in the regular season. From Sept. 13 through Sept. 18, they travel to Richmond to play the Flying Squirrels. To recap the SeaWolves’ successful season thus far we would like to thank the organization for giving back to the Erie community. The team annually contributes over $250,000 in goods and services to support charitable efforts.

The organization has also established the SeaWolves Community Fund which emphasizes support-ing youth programs focused on education, baseball and wellness. Not only do the SeaWolves organization give back to the community, they also provide fund-raising opportunities. Fans who sell 75-200 or more tickets can receive cash back incentives and unique opportunities such as throwing the first pitch at a game.

Show your support, since the season is almost over! You will not want to miss out on the chance to visit UPMC park and experience a night out in downtown Erie.