Solingen Alligators (25-03) vs Mainz Athletics (19-09)
Players to Watch: Dominik WULF (OF), Joey BESL (SS-P), Andre HUGHES (SP), Enorbel MARQUEZ-RAMIREZ (SP), Ronald SHORE (2B).
Scouting Report: The Alligators high-octane offense has sputtered at times this season but scoring runs against this bunch is no easy task. MOLLER will be a challenge for the Alligators and Mainz has enough offense to pull off the upset “if” Solingen struggles with the stick. The defending champs desperately needs to book a tougher pre-season schedule (how about a series with the Rouen Huskies?) to prepare for the European Cup.
Players to Watch: Manuel MOLLER (SP), Maximilian BOLDT (INF), Sascha LUTZ (CF), Keigo MIYAGI (SS), Janusz RADICKE (C).
Scouting Report: The Athletics hit .302 as a unit and will be hard-pressed to score runs this series. MOLLER is the key but Nils HARTKOPF must provide quality innings as well. If Mainz can limit Solingen to 2-3 runs a game…maybe things will get interesting? However, can Mainz score 3-4 runs a game? I doubt it.
Prediction: Mainz has a good team and enough hitting to pose a threat. But Solingen is more than a good team – it’s the best in German baseball! The Alligators title run continues with a series victory over the Athletics.