The Legionaere and Untouchables are on the verge of sweeps, as expected, but the close scores from last weekend could mean at least a fourth game for either series. Here is a look at how each favorite hopes to close out the sweep.
Regensburg Legionaere (2-0) vs. Solingen Alligators (0-2)
The Legionaere offense didn’t put up as many runs as expected over the weekend, scoring just 12 runs in the two games combined, but the pitching was strong against the Alligators, and the leads were more than enough.
Petr Cech and Ludwig Glaser each have a handful of hits, and Mike Bolsenbroek earned POW for his eight innings of three-hit pitching, striking out eight and walking one.
In the quarterfinals, the Legionaere sat Bolsenbroek in the second weekend, but as they get ready for taking on a hot-hitting Paderborn team, its likely he’ll at least get four or five innings before he’s allowed to take the rest of the weekend off. That will be long enough for the hosts to build a lead, and put them on track for a sweep.
For Solingen, they’ll need to take advantage of the shift to the bullpen, and try to extend the series to a fourth game, where they will have another shot at American Justin Kuehn, who had the best start of his season, going a complete game and allowing seven baserunners. If they can’t get a win, they’ll refocus on the European Cup A-Pool qualifier, and assured of a third place finish in the Bundesliga.
Paderborn Untouchables (2-0) vs. Bonn Capitals (0-2)
It was deja vu in Bonn last weekend, nearly a repeat of the regular season when the Untouchables scored nine times in two games but split against Bonn. This time, Bonn came up a bit short, dropping the first game by a run and the second game by two.
Paderborn will home the close games continue to swing their way, but no team has scored more than four runs against them in six games. Look for Eugen Heilmann to pitch a solid first game, and keep the Capitals off the board into the late innings. Tim Henkenjohann will need to be as sharp as he was last weekend, if not more so. He allowed just 2 ER over 7.1 innings, but had to take the loss. If the Bonn staff gets a bit more run support, it could end up an interesting series, but if Paderborn somehow drops the first, its unlikely they’ll drop the second. The Untouchables join the Legionaere in the Finals.
Schedule:
Saturday, September 3:
13:00 Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg – Solingen Alligators (Games 3+4*)
13:00 Untouchables Paderborn – Bonn Capitals (Games 3+4*)
Sunday, September 4:
13:00 Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg – Solingen Alligators (Game 5*)
13:00 Untouchables Paderborn – Bonn Capitals (Game 5*)
*if necessary