PLAYOFFS Part 2

Here we are, the last night of kickball. Weather.com says it’s going to be chilly with a 50% chance of rain. Slippery kickballs on turf make for high scoring kickball so ditch the kids and come down to Fitzy to get your last taste of WAKA for 6 months. Last week we saw T2R end their season and bust my bracket in the top of the 1st inning. MDC almost pulling off a perfect game that wouldn’t have counted because they forfeited, and perhaps the game of the season that we’ll see the conclusion of tonight. Before I get to tonight’s predictions, let’s remind whoever may be reffing at any point tonight a couple key rules that came into play last week. I’ll highlight the important parts.

10.10 When a base is displaced during play, any runner is safe while in contact with the base's original and correct location. All displaced bases should be restored at the end of each play (see Rule 1.01b)

10.07 Base Running on Overthrows;

a. an overthrow is a ball thrown, kicked, or deflected into foul territory while making a defensive play toward a player or base;

b. a runner may advance only one base beyond the base the runner is on or running toward when the ball travels into foul territory;

c. one base on an overthrow is a restriction on the runner – not an automatic right for the runner to advance;

d. if any fielder attempts to make an out prior to returning the ball to the pitcher, runners may commence base running.

Tonight’s Games

Thanks to the lights, we don’t have a final four yet and thus could make most of these make no sense or just be a waste of my time. If I pick you to win, I’m sorry in advance.

Make up game: Ma Dixon Cider vs. Hand Made Love (Top 6th, 3-3)

MDC had some unfortunate luck with a call against them in the bottom of the 5th, but got lucky when they failed to score in the top of the 6th and the lights went out. This is a tough one to call. MDC is at the bottom of their line up and HML has 3 guys up for the 6th inning. If this game goes beyond 6 then MDC is going to win. I think MDC gets one in the top and HML walks it off in the bottom 5-4.

Semifinals

Hand Made Love (maybe) vs. Rum Riot

The final four got where they are because of their defense. RR had the best defense in the league and arguably the best pitcher. HML plays some great defense too and always manages to win the close ones. Playing on turf will bridge the gap between the 2 pitchers and anything can happen on a damp field. I went with RR in my bracket and I’m sticking with them 4-3 with a gave saving, finger breaking catch by Dambrie. If Steve shows up then I’d take HML, but he doesn’t give a shit about kickball and I’m sure he’ll be doing Father stuff.

Muff N Men vs. Prestige Worldwide

The Muffs haven’t played in like 6 weeks thanks for forfeits and PW looked great against a really pathetic T2R. MNM will be looking for revenge this week as PW was their only loss of the season and I’m sure drunk Stevey will be getting ejected from this one in a hurry. I think this game will be closer than Bez thinks. In the 3rd inning Ferrante is going to punch Stevey out for being too drunk and they’ll have to take an out for him in the lineup which will end up being the 3rd out in the 5th giving MNM a 3-2 win.

Muff N Men vs. Rum Riot

These guys played twice this season with the Muffs dominating both games. Rum Riot will be in familiar territory as they made the finals last Fall as well (proud of me for remembering?). This game will be decided in the first inning. Whoever can shut down the other teams top will go on to win. I have a feeling either a well placed kick or an error is going to blow the game open and give Muff N Men their first Gold Ball which Bez will be proud of after going 0 for the circuit this year.

There will be one more write up at some point after the season ends

Thanks for reading

-Sparks