After the best-of-five German finals got interrupted by the European Champions Cup Final Four in Barcelona, where the Heidekoepfe nearly pulled off a massive upset finishing in second place, the series continues this weekend in Heidenheim with games three and possible four. The Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg prevailed twice in the first two games, winning thanks to a two-hitter by Philipp Hoffschild and a walk-off triumph after blowing a five-run lead.
The Heidekoepfe will be most likely without Martin Dewald (studying in the US) and Andy Janzen (injured). Markus Winkler will pitch in game three, trying to avoid the sweep. Janzen is going to be replaced by Hagen Raetz at third base. Regensburg is receiving some extra help, as Phillies minor leaguer Mike Bolsenbroek has arrived in time to strengthen the pitching staff. He will give them depth besides Hoffschild, Boris Bokaj and Rodney Gessmann in game three and Eric Faint in a possible game four.
Schedule German Finals:
Saturday, October 2:
13:00 Heidenheim Heidekoepfe – Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg
Sunday, October 3:
13:00 Heidenheim Heidekoepfe – Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg*
Saturday, October 9:
13:00 Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg – Heidenheim Heidekoepfe*
*if necessary
Results:
Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg – Heidenheim Heidekoepfe 2-0
Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg – Heidenheim Heidekoepfe 7-6
(Regensburg leads Series 2-0, Recaps)
Photo: (c) Walter Keller, www.catchthefever.de