Mister Baseball

by John Baum

CHALLENGERS AND INDIANS BATTLE FOR FINAL PLAYOFF SPOT
Sunday, the Zurich Challengers (9-7) will try to continue their turnaround from early season struggles, and find themselves back where they are accustomed, in the playoffs. The Lausanne Indians (9-7) stand in the way of the perennial Swiss power, bats in hand, ready for a slugfest! The outcome of this doubleheader has the potential to decide the last playoff spot up for grabs. The Indians, in the first games between the two teams won decidedly, 22-12, 21-4. Those games took place way back in the third weekend of the season when the Indians were playing at their best, and the Challengers at their worst. The matchup this time around should prove to be a much different couple games. Both teams are playing well at this point in the season, and know what’s on the line. A sweep either way will basically push the loser out of playoff contention. With a strong resume in recent seasons, the Challengers know what it takes to reach the post-season. On the other side the Indians are looking for the first playoff appearance in the NLA in the clubs history. Will experience rule? Or do the hard-hitting Indians show that there may be a changing of the guards? I’m going to stay on the fence on this one…they will split… Indians win game one, Challengers win game two.

FLYERS AND CARDINALS IN A BATTLE FOR FIRST PLACE
In a matchup of two of mister-baseball’s top 50 teams, the Therwil Flyers travel to Bern trying to prove they can end the three year run of the Cardinals. The Flyers swept the Cardinals in the season’s first doubleheader, breaking the hearts of the three-time defending champs, both on walk off homeruns. The two teams played recently in Bern in the quarterfinals of the Swiss Cup, with the Cards getting some revenge, winning 5-2. In that game, the Cardinals won despite having their top two Swiss arms unavailable. Tobias Imboden and John Baum silenced the mighty Flyer bats, allowing only three hits. If this weekend’s games live up to the first three of the season, it should be a fun day to watch baseball in Bern. The game will likely decide the regular season title, and give the winner momentum into the playoffs. As has happened in the previous games, anything is possible, and two exciting games are sure to happen. The Cards two aces are back, (Severin Fries, hamstring), Chris Beyeler, sickness), and will once again be on the hill. The Flyers, still without playing/coach John Alexander, still have the lineup to give the Cardinals pitchers and hitters trouble…but how will they play without their coach? In two epic battles, the Cards get their swagger back, stay perfect at home.

BARRACUDAS HOPE TO HOLD ONTO THIRD PLACE AS THEY TRAVEL TO EMBRACH
Standing in third place, the Zurich Barracudas (9-6) can solidify a playoff spot with a sweep of the Wil Devils (6-12). The Devils, having given the only loss of the regular season to the Therwil Flyers, and beating the Cardinals last weekend, have proven they belong at the top level with their gutsy performances. Playing their last doubleheader of the season, the Devils will hope to spoil the Barracudas playoff hopes by shocking yet another playoff team! The Barracudas pitching staff has done its part this year, sporting a 2.63 ERA. The offense on the other hand has yet to hit its groove, .278 AVG, and this could be trouble for them this weekend. Roger Salvodelli and Josh Crouse should have success against the ‘Cudas if they repeat last weekend’s performances. The Barracudas have made the playoffs each of the last 5 seasons, and will likely make it their again, but look for the Devils to end their successful season with another split at the hands of another playoff team.

Time	Div.	Home	Visitor	Field
Dates and Times are subject to change! In case of doubt check with the responsible national federation!
Saturday, August 16 2008
11:00	1	Wil Devils	Zürich Barracudas	Wil Lindenhof
Sunday, August 17 2008
11:00	1	Bern Cardinals	Therwil Flyers	Bern Allmend
12:00	2	Lausanne Indians	Zürich Challengers	Bulle

Standings 1

Standings 2