(Sioux Falls) The Sioux Falls Canaries have struggled to play consistent baseball this summer, but one player who has been consistent this year has been closer Kris Regas.

Once again, the southpaw is dominating American Association hitters. Entering play this week, Regas is tied for the league lead in saves with 14. And despite being cut by the Detroit Tigers this past spring, Regas still loves getting the call in the 9th, even if it is for the Canaries.

Last year, in just his first year as a closer, Kris Regas was simply amazing. Regas set a new short season independent baseball record with 30 saves.
"It was the best performance I've ever seen by anybody at any position. He completely dominated. I don't know if anyone will ever have numbers like that. It was amazing. It was probably the best independent season ever," pitching coach Mike Meyer said.
"Last season was magical. Everything kinda seemed to work out right," Regas said.
"He's been able to come in here and be an excellent baseball player. Last year, just a phenomenal year. You know numbers that are just unheard of, out of this world," manager Steve Shirley said.

Regas struck out 72 batters and walked only 8 in 42 innings last year. So far this year, the lefty has been just as dominating. He's tied for the league lead with 14 saves. The southpaw says having the ball in his hands at the end of the game is something he lives for.
"Anything that is late inning is really fun. Just knowing that your team has given you the lead for eight innings, and now it's your job to protect that lead for three outs, or four or five or whatever it might be, you know if you can't get fired up for that, then you shouldn't be playing," Regas said.

Following his record setting year last season, Regas was signed by the Detroit Tigers. Regas gave up everything, including his full time job as a teacher at Minnesota State in Mankato for a shot at the big time. But Regas was cut by the Tigers near the end of spring training. Despite coming so close to his ultimate goal, Regas said he has no regrets.
"This is my 8th year playing professional baseball and getting paid to do it. I mean you talk to a lot of people and they would give a lot for that sort of opportunity for just one or two years," Regas said with a smile.

Regas said when he was cut by the Tigers, the first person he called was manager Steve Shirley.
"My whole career has been playing with one team one year, play with a different team the next year and repeat that scenario. Once I got here, I had a great time and I really liked the coaching staff," Regas said.

Regas said if another affiliated organization called, he wouldn't think twice about going, but admits as he inches closer to 30, his chances of achieving his ultimate goal is winding down.

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