The season began with a series of close match-ups.  Each team dealt with difficult schedules, bullpen meltdowns, and inconsistent performances.  Some teams like the Armadillos and Thunderwolves started strong.  Others like the Goofballs and Legion managed to survive.

KK Thunderwolves vs. CM Happy Hollidays

The best performance of the week came from a surprising source – the Thunderwolves.  After several seasons of struggles and bizarre, tragic player deaths, Kyle finally got some good news.  He defeated Chris M. in impressive fashion.  The Thunderwolves led the league in home runs, RBI, and SLG.  Eight Thunderwolves had home runs, including three each from Rougned Odor and Mike Moustakas.  Chris M. tried to counter with good weeks from Yasiel Puig and Salvador Perez, but it wasn’t enough.  He was able to take steals and OBP, but it wasn’t enough to save the week.

Kyle had a great effort on pitching.  He won four categories and tied another.  Leading the way was Julio Teheran, who didn’t allow a run in 13 innings.  The Hollidays weren’t bad on the pitching side, but they lacked the outstanding starters that Kyle presented.  Carlos Martinez and Rick Porcello were average.  However, Chris was close on strikeouts and tied in wins.  The Thunderwolves’ strong production was too much, but Chris’s first week wasn’t a disaster.  Both teams were more impressive than they were last year, and each started the new year strong.

RK Possums vs. LK Armadillos

After the Thunderwolves and Happy Hollidays, the Possums and Armadillos had the second best match of the week.  Both teams looked to build on strong finishes last season.  The Possums got the better of the offensive side.  They won home runs, SLG, and OBP.  The Armadillos narrowly own RBI, and the teams tied in steals.  The Possums were led by Adam Duvall, Josh Donaldson, and Joey Votto.  Each had three home runs.  The Armadillos had a good week from JT Realmuto, but needed to rely on their pitching for the week.

The Armadillos’ starters responded.  Clayton Kershaw provided strikeouts while Dallas Keuchel and Noah Syndergaard gave up only two runs over 17 innings.  The Armadillos led the league in WHIP and wins.  The Possums had good saves and strikeouts totals.  However, they were not competitive in the rate stats.  Larry won all five categories and won the week.  The sharp opening is a good sign for the Armadillos, who made moves to compete for a title this year.  The Possums were competitive, but will need to hope for better pitching in the future.

HP PhoeGnomes vs. CP Legion

The Legion and PhoeGnomes had a close battle for the week.  Both had good pitching totals.  Chris P. led the league in strikeouts and saves.  However, Heather had much better rate stats and easily took ERA and WHIP.  The Legion took wins.  The Legion’s performance in strikeouts is more impressive when you consider that the PhoeGnomes threw more innings.  The Legion earned a 3-2 lead on the basis of their more efficient production.

Neither team had stellar offensive totals.  The Legion had good power, keyed by a massive four-home week from George Springer.  However, the rest of the team did not follow his example and the Legion struggled to keep their SLG over 0.400.  Heather had a great steals total, led by Eduardo Nunez with four.  However, the rest of her offense was lacking.  Chris took three more categories and won a close 6-4 battle.  Neither team will be happy with their offensive showing, but both managed to avoid the poor pitching that plagued many teams.

JK Lannisters vs KG Capital City Goofballs

The week’s final match was the closest.  The Goofballs edged the Lannisters in a 5-4-1 battle.  The Lannisters had good offensive production, and took four categories.  Corey Seager and Mike Trout started strong.  Jean Segura contributed steals.  However, Kevin answered with four steals from Brian Dozier and won the category.

On pitching, the Lannisters struggled.  They tied with the Possums for the worst ERA in the league, and were next to last in WHIP.  Kevin managed better rate stats and secured a tie in wins.  They also took saves and strikeouts.  This was enough to give Kevin the opening win he’s wanted for two seasons.  However, the Goofballs’ offense was abysmal.  Neither team will be proud of what they offered in the first week, and will need to make some adjustments going into Week 02.

Next Week

The two best performers meet in Week 02, as the Thunderwolves meet the Armadillos.  The Legion host the Hollidays.  The Possums have a tough draw and face the Lannisters.  Finally, the PhoeGnomes will try to get on track versus the Goofballs.