by John Baum
Barracudas come to Bern to take on first place Cardinals
Sunday at the Allmend in Bern, the Barracudas (8-10) will hope to work themselves back into the playoff picture against the Cards (16-3). Having fallen three games behind the fourth place Zurich Challengers with only ten games to play, the ‘Cudas find themselves desperate for wins. Unfortunately for the team from Zurich, after playing the second place Flyers (16-4) from Therwil last weekend, they have to face the first place Cardinals. The Cards haven’t been playing their best baseball since returning from the Euro Cup Qualifier, but took a step forward last week in drubbing the struggling Eagles. With so much on the line for the ‘Cudas, the Cardinals should be in for a tough afternoon. If the Bern boys don’t show up to play, they will find themselves in second place at day’s end.
Lausanne Indians to take on Frogs in Sissach
The Indians (13-6), having forfeited their last two games against Embrach, find themselves in danger of dropping down to fourth place if they aren’t careful. The Frogs (4-14) are a dangerous team when they hit even just a little, as their pitching staff is capable of giving opponents trouble. With the Zurich Challengers raising their record to 12-8 last weekend, the Indians will need to find a way to keep pace, and find enough players healthy to travel to Sissach to help them get back on track.
Embrach ‘Bows look to hold onto slim playoff hopes vs. Reussbuehl
The ‘Bows (7-13) are currently sitting in fifth place in the standing, five games out of the playoff picture. They are still mathematically alive, but will have to find some sort of magic in the stretch run if they are to have any chance. This weekend they should get off to a good start towards that goal, as they play the last place Eagles (1-19). The Eagles have been on the bottom of the standings all year, and will most likely end up there after a disastrous season. If they continue to fight the rest of the season, they could maybe end up playing the spoiler against some unlucky team.
{mrb-schedule:2009-07-11|2009-07-12|CH}
{mrb-standing:switzerland-2009}
Photo: © Bern Cardinals