Complete Challenger League Coverage weeks 13 and 14
Panthers pull away
Apparently the Pailyn Panthers were very offended that they dropped from the top spot in the table last week, as they came out roaring in weeks 13 and 14. The squad from Picon went an impressive 7-1 over the past two weeks, taking 3 of 4 from the Racers and sweeping the Hidden Bay Arrows. Pailyn’s next two series are against the Scorpions and the Islands, currently last and second-last in the league. Its possible the Panthers can lock up at least a guaranteed playoff spot in the coming weeks.
Front-runners complete trade
They may be directly competing for a promotion spot, but that didn’t stop the front offices of Saptiu Gol and Opadea from making a trade this week. The Thunder will be shoring up their bullpen by adding lefty Ed Lewis. Lewis his a .045 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 20 innings worked. Opadea adds yet another bat to its impressive offensive lineup. Steve Garcia will join the Galaxy, he’s hitting .271 with 26 RBI in somewhat limited at bats for the Thunder this season. Garcia is expected to win the starting job over Nelek Olczyk, who’s numbers are way down from an all-star season a year ago.
Wildcard spots still up for grabs
The battle for the playoffs is still a hot one, as eight teams could all still have a chance at the 3 wildcard spots. The Silverstars hold the final qualifying position, but are two games behind the Thunder and Pirates, while only being a game ahead of the Galaxy. The Galaxy and Silverstars will meet for their four games in the final week of the season. Meanwhile the Riders, Vice, Archers, and Racers are all within three games of the wildcard, and all have series yet to play against teams currently holding the wildcard spots.
Matchup of the Week
Dust Valley will try to pick itself up after a disappointing two weeks as they battle the Spatiu Gol Thunder. A good result over the series for the Riders could see them back in the wildcard picture. A bad result will most certainly see them on the outside looking in.
Complete CCL standings through week 14 of 19
