LAST WEEKS PREDICTIONS: Last week we went 2 for 6 in our predictions. We predicted Black Mambas and Dothrakis would sweep. The other 4 matchups we predicted splits and we got those wrong.
YEAR TO DATE TALLY: 2 out of 6 right (33% success rate).
Matchup: Hit Squad vs Black Mambas
Field: Cantiague D @ 8:30am
After last weeks disappointing Opening Day, Hit Squad knows they need to step it up. After getting swept in week 1, they meet a hot Black Mamba team that just swept Backdoor Sliders. Is this the end of the Hit Squad era that we have been hearing about it year after year? Hit Squad will need all the new additions to step up and bring life to the team. Is Halimi the difference maker? Black Mambas look hungry to prove to the league that they belong in the top of the league. This will be a test for Black Mamba to see where they stand with the rest of the league.
Prediction: Split! Both games will be close with both teams needing the wins. Hit Squad cannot afford to start the season 0-4. Black Mambas will need all the wins they can get this year to stay competitive.
Matchup: Shooter McGavins vs Dothrakis
Field: Cedar Creek @ 8:30am
Shooter McGavins were a defensive powerhouse team last year but week 1 did not showcase that ability. They lost to the veteran lade team MonStars. A little rust could be the issue but was last year a fluke? They go up against Dothrakis team lead by Hashim and Pavy. They are coming off an easy week against Dad Bods but this will be their first real test. Can they be a contender without Hashim being at 100%? They will need Pavy and all the new rookies to step up and fill in the hole.
Prediction: Split! Shooter McGavins will return to form in week 2 after the rust has disappeared. They were a top team last year and added TK to the team. Expect 2 very close, hard fought games. Shooter McGavins may look like the better team by the end of Sunday.
Matchup: Dad Bods vs The Ones
Field: Allen Park @ 8:30am
The Ones will be an offensive juggernaut this year, scoring 37 runs in 2 games last week. They battled hard but lost both games to The North. DadBods will struggle to contain them as their offense might not be able to matchup. Defense could be an issue for The Ones as they gave up 44 runs last week. If Dad Bods can get hot, they might be able to match up offensively but that’s a big ask. The Ones need the 2 wins this week to bring back momentum on their side.
Prediction: Sweep! The Ones offense will continue to dominate this week against Dad Bods. If The Ones lose a game this week, it will most definitely be a major upset.
Matchup: Dynasty vs Troopers
Field: Cantiague A @ 11am
Is this Dynasty’s year? They finally upgraded at pitcher bringing in Ali G, allowing Omar to go back to outfield. The decision to bring in Ali G worked wonders for them, with a double mercy over TSFE. Troopers new additions also paid off as they swept Hit Squad. Dynasty look hungrier than usual this year, trying to put their past failures away for good. Can the younger players for Troopers step up and compete with the veteran Dynasty team? Will Majid add to his dominate start or cool down?
Prediction: Split! This Trooper squad is unlike anything they have put out in the past. They looked poised to make some noise. Dynasty will not be an easy opponent to put away so expect both games to be very close. We covered this matchup extensively in our “Game Of The Week” preview.
Matchup: MonStars vs TSFE
Field: Eisenhower D @ 11am
MonStars is an experienced team with a lot of rings between themselves who swept Shooter McGavins. TSFE got manhandled last week against Dynasty. TSFE needs to step up their game this week and get some much-needed wins. TSFE has the team to compete but they need to put it together and show up against MonStars. On the other hand, MonStars need to show the league that last week was not luck and they are legit. Can the veteran team of MonStars continue their dominate start or will they lose some steam in week 2?
Prediction: Split! TSFE looked rusty week 1 so if they can shake that off, they should be legit contenders. MonStars will not go down easily so expect 2 close games.
Matchup: Backdoor Sliders vs The North
Field: Wantagh B @ 11am
After facing 2 close loses against Black Mambas last week, Backdoor Sliders have a very tough schedule ahead. The North had an offensive showcase against The Ones last week. Expect more of the same against a weaker team this week. Backdoor Sliders need their new acquisitions to step it up and prove they belong in the league. Can Obaid carry this team and push them ahead? Where was Matt Schreiber? The North’s defense seemed shaky week 1 so we have to see how they fare in week 2. Can Backdoor Sliders match up offensively with the North and keep things close?
Prediction: Sweep! The North looked dominant offensively last week and look to do much of the same this week. Backdoor Sliders will need to hold them at bay otherwise they start the season 0-4.
