While they didn’t qualify for the West Coast League’s postseason, it was a banner year in the stands for the Kelowna Falcons.
An average of 1,240 fans attended the 26 games played this season at Elks Stadium. That was up almost 300 from last season and was the most ever in the team’s 16-year history.
The Falcons closed out their 2016 WCL season Sunday night at Elks with a 7-3 loss to the Walla Walla Sweets.
Under first-year head coach Bryan Donohue, the Falcons posted a 12-15 record in the second half of the season and went 25-29 overall in the North Division.
On the field in 2016, Lane Lacrone was a notable contributor for the Falcons for the second straight year.
The junior infielder from Colorado Mesa University led the Falcons in games played, at bats, hits (47), RBIs (14) and stolen bases (8).
Catcher Bowen Ogata, from Mt. Hood Community College, led the club in hitting with a .304 average.
Jake Simmons led the club in wins with five, while Jared Morton was the top closer with eight saves.
The most versatile player on the roster was returnee Max Carter. As a pitcher, the Cal State Bakersfield junior had a 3-1 record and 2.01 ERA. At the plate, Carter batted .280 with 28 hits and 11 RBIs.
Meanwhile, the first half champs, the Victoria Harbourcats, are taking on the second half winners, the Bellingham Bells, in the North final.
The South Division final features the Yakima Valley Pippins and Corvallis Knights.
