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26 September 2004
Cheyenne, WY
The Cowboys were the first team to clinch a 2004 playoff spot, and they started a final, 4-game series with Hollywood today. Paul Lyons pitched five innings in a playoff tune-up appearance. The five innings carried Lyons just over 200 for the season. The Cowboys won the game 9-5, and the win gave Lyons 15 on the season.
With 3 games to go, the Cowboys are trying to avoid injuries and finalize the playoff bullpen. In addition, Eric Kelham will rejoin the lineup for the last 2 games of the season, so there is some lineup tinkering to do yet.
It now looks like the Cowboys’ playoff opponent will be Topeka. The Owls’ magic number is just 1. They have surged past Omaha, and Wichita has hung on as well to make that a close division race. But the Owls offense has taken charge and looks to lead them into the playoffs. The Cowboys will welcome Topeka as they have faced Kansas City the last two years.
In the Eastern League, Halifax looks like it will return to the playoffs. The 2002 WS champs have a magic number of 2 with 6 games to play. The Buckeye division is much closer. Cincinnati has held the reins of that division most of the season, but, recently, Windsor has surged past the Outlaw Reds. The Spitfires hold a 1-game lead with 5 games to play.
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