- LAST WEEKS PREDICTIONS: Last week we went 3 for 6 in our predictions. Mambas sweeping Dothrakis was a big miss, Dynasty and Troopers were expected to split but got swept by Hit Squad and The Ones respectively.
- YEAR TO DATE TALLY: 18 out of 30 right (60% success rate).
Matchup: The Ones (7-5) vs. Hit Squad (7-5)
Field Cedar Creek A @ 8:30am
The Ones come off a split against a struggling Sliders team. It was a major upset that they lost one game especially the way they have been playing this year. Offense once again was not the issue with the team as they lost game on 17-15. Defense has been the major issue all year for this squad and it does not seem like it will improve much more. If the Ones consider themselves as actual contenders they need to step it up on defense. The old saying Defense wins championships. Still lead by Yoba who is the leading MVP candidate at this point, he needs to motivate his team to what to do better. Hit Squad is coming off a shocking sweep at the hands of Dothraki’s a week after they were sweep by Mambas. Hit Squad were missing a key few guys and lost some to injuries. Is age finally catching up with this veteran Hit Squad team, this week will show up what kind of team Hit Squad is and see if they can bounce back. If Halimi is hurt for more then a couple weeks, Hit Squad will need the rest of the team to step it up and pick him up.
Predictions: Split! The Ones are a powerhouse on offense, scoring at will but with limited defense. Hit Squad with some injuries and players missing will struggle a bit. If Hit Squads bat are warm, then The Ones will not be able to stop them defensively. Expect 1 lopsided game and one very close game decided in the late innings.
Matchup: Dothrakis (9-3) vs. Dynasty (10-2)
Field: Cantiague D @ 8:30am
The game of the week matchup between the top teams. Dothraki’s are coming off a sweep against Hit Squad in which was there revenge game after getting swept by Mambas. They are good on both sides of the field and once Pavy is healthy the offense will become more dangerous. They were apart of some low scoring games against Hit Squad, so they are not a mashing team like the Ones. They can shut you down on defense as well. This will be a big matchup for Dothraki’s to see if they belong with the other top teams. Dynasty goes back to their winning ways sweeping MonStars. They have been dominating all year except one blemish on their record. Kunal Oak has taken a step back after his hot star but let’s see if he brings himself back a couple cold weeks. Another big name is Ali G, if his injury is legit and Dynasty loses him for an extended period, that will definitely hurt them.
Predictions: Split! Both games will be very close as there is no weakness in either team. Both have the bats and the defense to win games so it will come down to who comes out sharper. Neither team will be able to jump out the gate and score in bunches.
Matchup: The North (11-1) vs. MonStars (7-5)
Field: Carman Ave @ 8:30am
The North have been the best team in the league so far with only loss at the hands of Hit Squad. They took care of business last week against TSFE. Offensively they might just be the team and the once bad defense is long gone. They only let up 4 runs in 2 games completely shutting TSFE down. Is this team the finals favorite so far in the season, it looks like it? Having 5 guys batting over .600 so far is impressive and means that no outs will come easy. Led by Charley is also in the running for MVP thus far, they will face a talented MonStars team that still hasn’t put it all together yet. MonStars are coming off a sweep at the hands of Dynasty. Both games were extremely close they just could not push past and get a win. Offense has not been an issue with this squad this year and they put up 18 against a great Dynasty defense. The defense has been shaky with many fly balls being dropped. This veteran team knows what it takes to win, they just aren’t there yet.
Predictions: Sweep! The North will take care of business again and sweep MonStars. The games will be close ones, but The North will be able to push ahead and do what’s expected of them. If the MonStars can play great defense throughout both games, then they have a fighter’s chance to steal one.
Matchup: Dad Bods (2-12) vs. Backdoor Sliders(1-11)
Field: Wantagh B @ 11am
Due to one of the players contracting the coronavirus these games will not be played this week and will be resumed at a later date. I can speak for the league and say that everyone is wishing that player good health and a speedy recovery.
Matchup: Shooter McGavins (4-8) vs. Black Mambas (5-7)
Field: Cantiague A @ 11am
Shooters are coming off a sweep against Troopers. This might have been their first sweep of the year. This has been a disappointing season for Shooters especially with how last year ended but this team looks like they are on the right track now. Offense has still been slow as there is no one batting over.600 so that needs a big boost. Defensively it seems like they are getting back into last years form led by Khurram at SS. Black Mambas on the other hand still can’t figure their season out. They sweep Dothraki’s in good fashion and then they get swept by the winless Dad Bods. This better have been a wakeup call for them up and make them start taking every game serious. They have the talent on paper with Dan, Narish and Pete but the rest of the team needs to take another step forward and help these guys out. They are fighting for SNL as it seems right now.
Predictions: Split! Shooters are coming out hot and want to turn their season around. Mambas need the wins more then ever now and they must do what it takes to at least get one. If Mambas come out how they did against Dothraki’s then it should be a sweep but we need to see what team we see on Sunday.
Matchup: TSFE (5-7) vs. Troopers (6-8)
Field: Eisenhower 2 @ 11am
TSFE has been a major disappoint this season. Getting swept by the North is not the worst team to lose both too but it plays in their season. They clearly have the talent on paper to make some noise but so far nobody has put it together to compete against the top teams. Not even the addition of Saad could bring them out of this slump. Only scoring 4 runs in 2 games is weak no matter what team you play so if they are serious about competing then the bats need to really wake up this week against Troopers. Troopers also come off a disappointing weak getting swept by Shooters a struggling team. Troopers always compete hard for one game and then they lose all of their steam by game 2. They need to be able to compete for both games and not just one, what happens if they do this in the playoffs. Compared to previous years though, this is easily the best iteration of the squad. They finally have steady attendance and guys willing to play. The whole team needs to step it up on offense against TSFE. Defense is solid at SS and Outfield but with no offense it doesn’t matter.
Predictions: Split! Both teams have been inconsistent this season and that has led to their records being what it is. On paper both teams are contenders that need to play like it to show the league they belong. Expect 2 close games this week with either team having the opportunity to sweep if they just play how they are normally supposed to play
