by John Baum
Flyers and Indians once again headline a full weekend of Swiss NLA action
After playing to a split last weekend in Therwil, the Flyers (6-2) go to Lausanne to take on their opponent from last weekend, the Indians (5-4). Nic Jaquemet did just enough to help his team hold onto the win in game one last weekend before the Flyer offense erupted for 18 runs in game two. The ever dangerous Indians offense delivered a loss to national team pitcher Stefan Koller in the first game. It’s not like Koller to give up so many runs, and he’s sure to find his groove sometime. Will it be this weekend? The Flyers want to stay as close as they can to the Cardinals, and the Indians are looking to solidify their playoff position.
Cards take show on road, travel to Sissach to take on Frogs
The first place, and undefeated Bern Cardinals (9-0) will play the Frogs (1-7)for the second time in three weeks when they travel to Sissach on Saturday. In the last match-up, the Frogs we overpowered by the Cards, losing 22-2, and 7-0. The home team will look to improve upon this, and will hope playing on their field will change their luck some. The Cardinals will travel without number one pitcher, Chris Beyeler, and starting catcher Vitus Huber, which will make the Frogs life a bit easier. Don’t expect the Cards to take the Frogs lightly, as doing this last weekend against the Eagles nearly cost them.
Upstart ‘Bows play visitor to resurrected Barracudas
The third place Embrach ‘Bows (5-3) are off to a fine start to their 2009 campaign as the take on the Zurich Barracudas (3-5). These two teams split a doubleheader just two weeks ago. The Barracudas may have saved their season last weekend as they were in danger of possibly dropping to 1-7. But the ‘Cudas came up with two huge wins against the Challengers, and have momentum on their side. The ‘Bows are beginning to show the promise that I thought they possessed as a strong team, capable of giving anyone in the league problems. The ‘Bows have played only one team with a winning record this year, and they were swept by the Indians.
Challengers hope to halt 4-game skid against Eagles
The Eagles (1-7) may be just what the doctor ordered for the Challengers (3-5), or could really make a bad start worse. The Eagles nearly shocked the Cardinals last week in game one, as Stefan Haltmeier had his team in position to win late in the game. If the Challengers allow the Eagles to gather confidence as the game progresses, they could be in trouble. The Challengers lineup is full of stud hitters, but seems to have been unable to find its’ groove. It is only a matter of time before they explode, and I’m sure the Eagles hope its next weekend.
| Time | Home | Visitor | Field | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates and Times are subject to change! In case of doubt check with the responsible national federation! | ||||||
| Saturday, May 16 2009 | ||||||
| 11:00 | Sissach Frogs | Bern Cardinals | Sissach Tannbrunn |  |
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| 11:00 | Zürich Barracudas | Embrach Rainbows | Embrach PZ Hard | |
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| Sunday, May 17 2009 | ||||||
| 11:00 | Reussbühl Eagles | Zürich Challengers | Reussbühl Hint... | |
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| 12:00 | Lausanne Indians | Therwil Flyers | Terrain de Chav... | |
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Standings
| # | Team | W | L | R+ | R- | .pct | GB | Streak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Therwil Flyers | 23 | 5 | 218 | 91 | .821 | 0 | W3 |
| 2 | Lausanne Indians | 22 | 6 | 247 | 156 | .785 | 1 | W9 |
| 3 | Bern Cardinals | 21 | 7 | 251 | 112 | .750 | 2 | L1 |
| 4 | Zürich Challengers | 15 | 13 | 266 | 216 | .535 | 8 | L2 |
| 5 | Embrach Rainbows | 13 | 15 | 167 | 171 | .464 | 10 | W2 |
| 6 | Zürich Barracudas | 12 | 16 | 158 | 164 | .428 | 11 | W2 |
| 7 | Sissach Frogs | 5 | 23 | 151 | 276 | .178 | 18 | L2 |
| 8 | Reussbühl Eagles | 1 | 27 | 76 | 348 | .035 | 22 | L23 |
