RK Possums (6-4) vs. KK Wolf Spiders (6-4)

The week’s most interesting match-up paired the Wolf Spiders versus the Possums. Both teams are among the few that might be able to defeat the Armadillos. In this mach, Kyle was able to come out on top thanks to the best overall performance in the league.

Both teams were evenly matched on offense, but Kyle was able to get a slight edge across all categories except steals. The teams were #1 and #2 in home runs, and the Wolf Spiders were led by an amazing week from Corey Seager. He had 3 home runs, 6 RBI, 6 runs, a steal, and an astonishing 1.408 OPS over 28 at-bats. The Possums enjoyed a fine week from Jonathan India (3 home runs) and Fernando Tatis Jr (4 steals). Unfortunately, steals was the only category that went Rick’s way, and he had to face a 4-1 deficit before pitching.

On the pitching side, the Wolf Spiders pulled away. Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, and Zac Gallen each had great starts, giving up just 1 ER each. The Possums suffered through three starters who each gave up 6 earned runs or more. The Possums won saves, but Kyle was good enough to take the other four categories with relative ease. This was enough for Kyle to earn a win and move into second place, 3 games behind the Armdillos. The Possums are still in third, and are no 4 back.

LK Armadillos (9-1) vs.. JK Hares (5-5)

The Armadillos were heavy favorites against the Hares, but Jeff had a gameplan to try to bring down the league leaders. The team’s goal was to win as many pitching categories as possible and hope to steal an offensive category or two.

Half of the plan worked. The Hares had good pitching and took four categories without a lot of effort. Zack Wheeler allowed 1 earned run in 2 starts, and George Kirby added a nice effort as well. Chris Bassitt humiliated himself yet again, and one has to wonder how many chances the Armadillos will continue to give him. This implosion guaranteed that the Hares would win both rate categories. However, Larry was able to win saves. The Hares had a lot of relief innings, but none in save situations. However, the first part of the plan worked with a 4-1 lead.

On offense, things tilted more toward the Armadillos. J.T. Realmuto was the Armadillos’ leader with 2 home runs, a steal, and an unthinkable 1.676 OPS. Justin Turner added 10 RBI, and the Armadillos were in control of many categories. The Hares did make things close with good home run, OPS, and steals totals. However, it wasn’t quite enough. The Armadillos managed 10 steals, and the Hares fell 2 home runs or a few OPS points short of a tie.

The win cements the Armadillos’ place at the top of the league, but the Hares effort shows a possible path to victory. With slightly better offense, the results would have been different. Other teams with more offensive firepower might need timely pitching to stop the leaders.

KG Capital City Goofballs (4-6) vs. HP PhoeGnomes (5-4-1)

The Goofballs and PhoeGnomes faced-off in a battle of mid-tier teams. Each team had their bright spots, and the Goofballs earned a nice 7-3 win.

Heather’s pitching was a strong point, and she led he league in ERA and was second in WHIP. No one pitcher really stood out, but every starter had a nice outing and no one on the staff allowed more than 3 earned runs. This wasn’t just a narrow band of production either! The PhoeGnomes had the second and third highest strikeout and IP totals, respectively, in the league. However, Kevin was a little better over the long-haul and led the league in IP and strikeouts. Taijuan Walker was the best of his group of starters with an 8 inning gem. Kevin also had a nice week of relief pitching, and took 3 of 5 categories.

On offnese, the Goofballs were on a roll. The team had great all-around stats and outside of steals, the PhoeGnomes didn’t have much of a chance. Kevin tied for the leauge lead in home runs and was second in RBI. Ozzie Albies had the best week on the team with 3 home runs, 10 RBI, 7 runs, and a steal. He boasted a 1.330 OPS and led the team to victory for the week.

The win moves Kevin closer to 0.500, and Heather is left looking for answers.

CM Skyline Sluggers (2-8) vs. CP Legion (2-7-1)

The week’s final match-up pit the Skyline Sluggers versus the Legion. The Sluggers managed a hard-fought win with a nice all-around performance. Both teams put up decent numbers, but the Sluggers were led by yet another incredible week from Shohei Ohtani. He had another 4 home runs and a steal, and has become a fixture in the weekly recap time after time.

Blake Snell gave the Sluggers an otherworldly pitching performance with 12 strikeouts in just 6.0 IP. The Legion didn’t have a major meltdown outside of Bobby Miller, but they weren’t able to put up good enough numbers to be competitive. The Sluggers won, and are now in 7th place!

This is a nice milestone for the Sluggers, who have climbed out of last place for the first time this late in the season. The loss also serves as a grim talisman for the Legion. For a franchise as proud as Legion, it is time to take drastic action to right the ship.

Players of the Week

The best player of the week has to be Corey Seager. His powerful week was enough to give Kyle the edge in a close battle on offense. Blake Snell was the best pitcher thanks to his absurd strikeout totals.

Next Week

On paper, many of next week’s match-ups appear to be one-sided. The Armadillos face the slumping PhoeGnomes. Their closest competition, the Wolf Spiders, face the equally troubled Hares. The Goofballs face the Sluggers, whose offense might pose issues for Kevin. Finally, the Possums meet the Legion, who must be desperate for a victory.