The four-time defending Pacific International League Champion Seattle Studs are heading to the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita, Kansas for the sixth consecutive year after defeating the arch-rival Everett Merchants in a best-of-three series to end the season.

The Studs were the number one seed heading into the league championship series, compiling a league record of 16-4, and an overall record of 40-6, including winning the prestigious Kamloops International Baseball Tournament in July for the second straight year.

They will play their first game at the NBC at a time yet to be determined on Thursday, August 6, in historic Lawrence Hap Dumont stadium. Please check the NBC website @ nationalbaseballcongress.com for times and any schedule changes that may occur. Due to the number of teams involved and the always unpredictable weather, days and time can, and often do, change on short notice.

The Studs’ always potent offense was led this year by MVP candidate Andre Marshall, who hit .369 with 11 home runs and 54 runs scored in only 42 games played. He was backed up by league RBI leader Chad Dias who hit .348 with 43 RBI. Also performing to an all-league consideration caliber were 3B/DH Dan Ward and SS Derek Jennings, who both hit well over .300 and were a consistent threat in the lineup. Jennings was also the defensive stalwart for the Studs as he provided steady, and at times spectacular play during the season.

The starting pitching staff was led by starters Jason Buursma (5-0, 1.70 ERA), Ryan Woods (5-1, 1.15 ERA), and former Major Leaguer Joe Strong (4-0, 0.00 ERA). The relief corps of set-up men Taylor Thompson (5-0, 1.09 ERA) Doug Montgomery (3-1, 2.91) and closer Aaron Parente (2-0, 2.82 ERA, 8 Saves) were stellar all season as the entire staff had a combined ERA of 1.99!