DYNASTY (2-0) vs. TROOPERS (2-0)
The Venue: Cantiague A
Time: 11am
This Game Of The Week selection was an easy call to make. This is the only one of the six matchups that pits two undefeated teams against each other. The other five matchups have 2-0 teams going against 0-2 teams. Cantiague A will probably favor the Troopers as they played there last week on Opening Day and cleared the fence a few times. Dynasty, however, come into the game still as the favorites after an excellent Opening Day.
How They Got Here:
Dynasty: Dynasty are currently an unblemished 2-0 after thumping TSFE in two dominant mercy wins. The scores for the games: Game 1: 18-6 and Game 2: 14-2. Amit Bhasin led the way with 5 for 7, 1 Triple, 6rbis but it was a collaborative effort with outstanding defense and timely hits. Dynasty were one of the best prepared teams as they held practice after practice before the season started. Their big off season acquisitions Ali Ghumman and Kunal Oak are looking pretty good right now.
Troopers: Troopers have had an amazing turnaround since the 2019 ended. Gone are the days you can mark you calendar as two easy wins when you faced them. Sunil and Wahid have brought in a lot of young and hungry talent. Majid Raufi, Anthony Dindiyal, Kyle Bacchus, Anthony DePalma, Burhan Gorgani etc. were all signed and have paid huge dividends so far. Week 1, they faced the champions Hit Squad. They swept them quite convincingly. The scores: Game 1: 14-10 and Game 2: 11-6. Majid Raufi led the way with 2HR, 4runs, 5rbis in his Troopers debut.
On-Field Matchups:
Pitcher/Catcher: For Dynasty, they have Ali Ghumman who was just recently featured in the All-time SASL Second Team. Troopers will most likely go with Wahid Hoosein who is solid in his own right. At Catcher, we expect All-Stars Yamin Patel for Dynasty and Burhan Gorgani for Troopers.
Advantage: Dynasty.
Infield: Dynasty will be led in the infield by All-time SASL First Teamer Amit Bhasin at SS. Surrounding him will be Adrian Polanco at 3b, Milan Patel at 2b and probably Sonu Bhasin at 1B. Troopers will be led by Kyle Bacchus at SS, Anthony Dindiyal at 1B, Anthony DePalma at 2B and Phillip Virgo at 3b. Overall, Troopers have the higher overall ceiling and more pop.
Advantage: Troopers.
Outfield: Dynasty boasts one of the best Outfield with Mike Liang, Omar Hernandez , Ariel Arvelo and Kunal Oak probably occupying the 4 positions this weekend. They can hit and play above average defense. Troopers will probably go with Mauris Rodriguez, Michael Kauffman, Majid Raufi and one of the rookies in the Outfield. That is a heck of a group as well.
Advantage: Dynasty.
Keys To Winning:
Dynasty:
Strikes, Strikes, Strikes: Ali will have to be able to throw strikes all day. Any walk will come back and haunt him as Troopers middle of the order can pop for some big innings. He must be able to get the easy outs.
Avoid Risks On The Bases: Troopers outfield has strong arms at every position. And Kyle at SS with the relay is as good as it gets. No need to take chances this week.
Adapt or Lose: Troopers are still going under the radar. Will Sajid and Sonu scout well and shift as convincingly as they did against TSFE?
Troopers:
Hit It To The Infield: If you hit balls in the air against Dynasty, it will be a short day. However, their infield defense is worse than you expect and especially at the corners.
Red Bull Energy: Dynasty are an older, veteran group. Troopers have younger players who should capitalize and demoralize Dynasty by relying on that energy.
Composure On The Mound: Yes, Dynasty will bring it. They will score runs. Can Wahid keep composed and keep the troops under control? Just need to avoid that one big inning like they did last week against Hit Squad.
Prediction:
When you tally up the in depth analysis and breakdown of position by position, Dynasty has a slight advantage. However, it is very close.
We are going to be very boring and call this a SPLIT!
