Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg (2-0) vs. Dortmund Wanderers (0-2)
Demonstrating the strength of their team, Regensburg posted 15 runs in seven innings against Dortmund in game one, a number they reached only once in the regular season. Five Wanderers errors didn’t help things, as the Legionaere needed runs in just four innings to put the game away. Game two was a bit closer, as Matt Kemp shook off a tough first inning to allow four runs on nine hits in a losing effort. The 4-1 final score was to be expected, as Dortmund wasn’t able to muster any offense, and Kemp was charged with late runs as he tired.
On Saturday in Regensburg, Mike Bolsenbroek will be sent out to finish the series off for the Legionaere, and he shouldn’t have a tough time doing it. The Regensburg offense will again give him plenty of support against the game one pitching of Dortmund.
Untouchables Paderborn (2-0) vs. Haar Disciples (0-2)
Although Paderborn jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning against Haar, the Disciples took the lead in the bottom half and looked poised to make it an exciting day. It wasn’t to be, as Paderborn steadily put up runs the rest of the day, 10 in each game, and the Haar stranded those runners who did reach base.
The teams will meet up in Paderborn on Saturday, with the Untouchables already casting an eye on who their second round matchup will be. With the potentially potent Disciples offense checking out early last weekend, whether due to the long Paderborn at-bats or simple inability to hit Heilmann and Fields, the Untouchables just need to continue their consistent style to complete the sweep. As noted last week, the Paderborn advantage in defense and pitching matches up well against their opponents, and they can win with pitching or offense, as they’ve shown.
Heidenheim Heidekoepfe (0-2) vs. Bonn Capitals (2-0)
It is safe to say that Bonn shocked everyone but themselves by taking two 1-run victories at home over the weekend, defeating the Heidekoepfe 9-8 and 4-3. Underscoring how balanced the Bundesliga is this year, they sit poised to avenge a sweep by the Heidekoepfe over the Capitals in last years playoffs. In the first game, they used a big inning to jump out in front 7-2 and held on while Heidenheim nearly tied it. In game two, Bonn again took a lead, this time 2-0, and took advantage of a surprisingly shaky Heidekoepfe defense to post a 4-3 win.
As the series shifts back to Heidenheim, you can bet that this series wont be done in just three games. The Heidekoepfe posted 10 hits, and seemed to have a beat on starter Tim Henkenjohann late in the game. If they can do it again, then game two starter Dusty Bergman can repeat his performance and hope the offense and bullpen have a better day. With three chances to get one win, Bonn is the favorite to punch a ticket to the semi-finals.
Solingen Alligators (1-1) vs. Mainz Athletics (1-1)
As expected, the Mainz pitching staff caused problems for Solingen’s hitters on the first day of the post season, allowing just 13 hits in 18 innings. Tim Stahlmann was handed a 4-3 lead in the fourth inning off the bats of Mike Larson and Alexander Szalay, but the bullpen couldn’t keep the lead. Despite the 12-4 score, the game was close until the 9th inning. In game two, Pat Haugen pitched eight solid innings, allowing just two runs, before Max Doll brought home the win.
The series moves to Solingen for the final weekend, where the host Alligators will enjoy a comfortable home field advantage with their big crowds. Hughes will need to be in top form for the hosts, as they can’t afford to fall behind 2-1 with Pat Haugen starting game two. Mainz posted 11 hits in the second game, and if they bring that momentum into the rematch against Hughes, then Mainz could clinch the series on Saturday. It will be a great matchup, and the crowd in Solingen will be treated to two good games. Should the series go five and be decided on Sunday, Mainz could hold a slight advantage. The A’s will have up to four pitchers available to start, each having gone four or more innings at one point in the season. The Alligators, on the other hand, will have at most two pitchers likely to start, putting a heavy burden on their Saturday starters to go deep into the game.
