Saturday:
Schwechat Blue Bats @ Schwaz Tigers
To kick off the second half of the season, the team from Tirol hosts the Bats who are one spot out of last in the standings. The Tigers are looking to hold on to fourth in the race for the final playoff spot as the season starts to enter a crucial stage in the schedule. The Bats suffered through two losses against the A’s last time out, but were able to battle to the end and show some playoff worthy spirit. Although both teams are known for their offense, it will come down to pitching to decide this matchup, especially the game two matchup between Zalabai and Fronczak.
Vienna Metrostars @ Vienna Wanderers
For the 25th Anniversary of the Vienna Wanderers, they’ll host their rivals the Vienna Metrostars for a Saturday afternoon battle. This year it runs deeper than bragging rights, however, as the teams have been in a season long battle for second place. The Wanderers won the first matchup in a close one, pulling through with a 2-1 victory during a weekday nightgame.
In addition to what will surely be another exciting derby on the diamond, the Wanderers have prepared a full day of festivities at the Spenadlwiese ballpark for their 25th birthday. Go to www.wanderers.at for more details.
Sunday:
Soroptimist Stockerau Cubs @ Kufstein Vikings
The winner of this matchup between Kufstein and Stockerau keeps themselves on the edge of the playoff picture, while the loser is out of contention if Schwaz takes a sweep in their Saturday games. In Kufstein, where they lost nine in a row until a recent victory ended the streak, found a way to get back in the winning pattern and would like to continue it. Harrasser, who was out of the rotation with an injury for a while, will play an important role on the mound for the Vikings. Whoever gets swept, however, will be staring down the barrel of the relegation series.
Attnang-Puchheim Athletics @ RiCo Highlanders
On Sunday the second derby of the weekend will take place as the A’s will face a reinforced Highlanders team. The 33-year-old Wayne Ough from Australia will bring his Olympic level experience to Upper Austria in hopes of saving the team from relegation. His first task: beat the defending champs and snap their 8 game winning streak in the process. The A’s had a chance to catch their break with a weekend off, and will be in good shape to take on the challenge.
{mrb-schedule:2011-07-02|2011-07-03|AT}
{mrb-standing:austria-2011}