by John Baum
TOP FOUR TEAMS CLASH THIS WEEKEND AS CARDINALS PLAY INDIANS, FLYERS PLAY CHALLENGERS
CARDINALS VS. INDIANS
The Cards (5-0) go to Lausanne to play the 2nd place team, the Indians (4-1). The Indians, winners of their last four games, will try to exact some revenge from the only undefeated team left. These two teams met on opening day with the Bern ballclub winning 11-1. Last weekend the Indians two hard fought wins over the Barracudas should give them the confidence needed to give the Cardinals a tough time. The Cards will be looking to remain unbeaten, and will need to continue to score, as the Indians potent offense will do the same. Cards remain unbeaten… 12-5; 7-2.
FLYERS VS. CHALLENGERS
In a rematch of last weekend’s split, the Flyers (3-1), will play host, and be the visiting team to the Challengers (3-1). Game one last week was a real slugfest, and national team pitcher Stefan Koller was surprisingly roughed up by the revamped Challengers lineup. Look for Koller to rebound this week, and for the second game to be close. The Challengers rode the arm of player/coach James Sanders for a game two win. Expect some of the same this weekend, as Sanders and his team look to stay even with the Flyers. Another split in Therwil… 9-3, Flyers; 5-2, Challengers.
BARRACUDAS VS. RAINBOWS
The ‘Cudas, surprisingly (0-4) on the young season, are in a must win situation this weekend vs. the (2-2) Embrach ‘Bows. In what could be a matchup that determines a playoff spot later this year, the ‘Bows could take a big step forward in their and everyone else’s minds that they are a legitimate playoff contender. Both teams have struggled at the plate, so who will be the first to bust out…Embrach will have their hands full as the ‘Cudas must feel their backs are against the wall. ‘Cudas get in the win column, sweep ‘Bows… 6-2; 6-3.
FROGS VS. EAGLES
In a battle of winless teams, the Sissach Frogs (0-4)and Reussbuehl Eagles (0-4) look to be the first to end their losing start. The Frogs, defeated easily by the Cards last weekend, will hope to find the form that saw them nearly beat the Flyers twice in their opening weekend. The Eagles, struggling to score runs, have to find an answer at the plate, or their losing streak might stick around for a while. Frogs rebound with two wins… 8-4; 9-3.
{mrb-schedule:2009-05-02|2009-05-03|CH}
{mrb-standing:switzerland-2009}