Saturday:
RiCo Highlanders @ Schwechat Blue Bats
Kicking off the 14th game day in the ABL, the Highlanders travel to Schwechat to play the Blue Bats. The team from lower Austria took a beating from the Metrostars last weekend, and need to win their last four games in order to have a shot at the playoffs. The Highlanders, who showed a lot of heart in their tough losses to the Cubs, need to grab some wins to get out of the relegation spot. The Vikings have just three more wins than the Highlanders, meaning its still doable, and they aren’t playing the strongest of teams this weekend.
Sunday:
Soroptimist Stockerauer Cubs @ Vienna Metrostars
The Cubs will take a short road trip to the Vienna Spenadlwiese on Sunday, where they will play the host Metrostars. They have been able to play top teams close recently, and they wont make it easy for the Stars. Although they are a long shot for the playoffs, the Cubs are looking to end the season on a high note. The Metrostars can clinch a playoff spot with a sweep, taking their destiny into their own hands for the playoffs. The young Viennese team of coach Tim Patrick has sparkled early only to fade, but this year they hope to make a postseason push.
Vienna Wanderers @ Union Kufstein Vikings
The Vikings host the Wanderers in the other Sunday matchup, the first between the teams this season. In the past, the two have been able to offer some exciting baseball matchups, especially in the playoffs. Kufstein won’t make it to the second season this year, but have a chance to damage the Wanderers positioning. The Vikings have shown themselves as too young and inexperienced to last a full season in the playoff race, but need to turn it on to stay out of the relegation series. The Wanderers have punched their playoff ticket already, but want to leave Kufstein in first place.
Monday:
Attnang-Puchheim Athletics@ Schwaz Tigers
On Monday, a holiday celebrating Assumption Day for Catholics, last years finalists will take to the field in another renewal of the rematch. The games will also play a crucial role in deciding the playoff pairs in a couple weeks, whether the A’s stay in contention for first, and if the Tigers can close the gap to third place. The A’s will be hoping that the Wanderers will slip up and hand them a lead in the race for first. The Tigers will be looking for at least one win to clinch the playoffs, which will be a hard task against the defending champs, but since the A’s will be playing with a depleted roster, their chances are better than usual.
{mrb-schedule:2011-08-13|2011-08-15|AT}
{mrb-standing:austria-2011}