The reigning Pacific Association Champion Vallejo Admirals announced Wednesday that 2017 Co-Manager of the Year PJ Phillips will return as field manager for the 2018 season.

Phillips is fresh off of a 2017 campaign that saw the Admirals produce a 24-15 second half record en route to the organization’s first championship. Phillips’ squad hit 276 on the year, averaging over six runs a game.

“I am happy to be back and excited to get to work to win another championship,” Phillips said.

Under Phillips’ tutelage, outfielder Tillman Pugh garnered league MVP honors, hitting .322 with 18 home runs, 58 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. Starting pitcher Demetrius Banks also thrived, notching a 7-3 record and 86 strikeouts while reliever Sammy Gervacio bolstered an electric bullpen down the stretch with a league-leading 18 saves. Gervacio also earned league honors as the Reliever of the Year.

The Admirals went 19-7 in the month of August, collecting five one-run wins in that span

The Admirals open the 2018 season at home on Thursday, May 31 at 6:35 against the Pittsburg Diamonds at Wilson Park in Vallejo. Season and group ticket information is available at vallejoadmirals.com or by phone at (707) 641-1111.

Story originally published here by the Vallejo Admirals.