The Metrostars will host the Athletics in the first two games of the championship series, taking place at the Vienna Spenadlwiese.
Attnang-Puchheim Athletics @ Vienna Metrostars
The season goal for the Metrostars in 2011 was to represent the club in the playoffs. That goal was achieved, although head coach Tim Patrick had to suffer through some nail biters during the regular season, which put those post-season dreams in doubt. IN the first round of the playoffs, the young team overwhelmed their local rivals in the first two games to take a commanding series lead, and closed it in game four. They may not have a star pitcher, but Patrick has a large staff to work with, which gives them a good chance to win.
JT Hilliard, who started in 13 of a possible 14 games, served his team like a workhorse. In the semi-finals against the Wanderers he allowed just one run in the two games he pitched. For most it was just a question of time before the youngster found some success to match his potential. Import Jeff Tezak carried a large load in the defense, but also was the center of a developing lineup that caught fire this year, and can surely be a title contender for years to come.
It was borderline disappointment that the A’s couldn’t sweep the Tigers in their semi-final, which they had done the year before in the Austrian Championship. Once at home they closed it out, showing why the team has been so dangerous at home and are ready to reclaim the trophy. The season began well, but Head Coach Trevor Rooper had to keep his men motivated after a disappointing European Cup Qualifier hosted in their own park. The goal had been the final, but they finished third in the group. Injuries to Christpoh Schwecherl and Andre Gruber hit the team hard, as well.
Yet the A’s bounced back even stronger than before, and were able to win the regular season championship despite tough competition from the Wanderers. The roster is nearly identical to last years championship team, but Jonny Kashuba, one of the most dangerous home run threats in the ABL, teamed up with star pitcher Josh Castanza to create a dominating duo on both sides of the ball.
Walter Strasser and Castanza pitched their team to a sweep in the last matchup between the A’s and M’s, combining for 25 K’s, over two complete games, allowing a single run. The series starts out in Vienna, where the large outfield of the Wiener Prater will reduce the power threat of the Athletics. It should be a close matchup between a recent powerhouse and an upcoming, young club, and although the weather may not be ideal, fans can expect two exciting games in Vienna this weekend.
Games:
Attnang-Puchheim Athletics @ Vienna Metrostars
Saturday, Vienna – Spenadlwiese
Game 1: 14:00
Game 2: 17:00
Games 3,4 and 5 in the Best-of-5 Series follow next weekend in Attnang-Puchheim.