Complete Challenger League Coverage weeks 15 and 16
Medium weeks all around at the top
The Pailyn Panthers may have missed a golden opportunity to put the final nail in their claim for the #1 seed going into the promotion playoff. The Panthers could only manage a 4-4 record against two of the worst teams in the league, allowing the rest of the pack to stay within striking distance. Fortunately for the men in red, no one else at the top of the table had a fantastic two weeks either. The Pirates managed to get back two games on the Panthers, and the Silverstars and Thunder remain 4 back of the top spot.
Key injury for the Panthers
Coming at the worst possible time for the Pailyn Panthers is an injury to one of their top relievers, and the lone left-hander in the bullpen. Paul Gow has appeared in half of the Panthers’ games this year, with an ERA of just 2.45 and 18 strikeouts. Gow will miss the rest of this year and most of next year with a torn UCL. He tore the ligament while pitching in a game against the Islanders. With no other left-handed pitchers in the pen, we’ll have to wait and see if the Panthers feel the need to trade for some bullpen help to go after their promotion push.
First 4 out
On the flip side, we know for certain that the Boskirk Brewers, Jonoel Scorpions, Ionian Islanders, and Hedon Lions will not be battling for promotion and will spend next season in the Challenger League. Jonoel still has something to look forward to as Raul Valentine has a real chance at winning the Arrow of Apollo award for catchers.
Matchup of the Week
This one isn’t close. #1 Pailyn Panthers taking on #2 Promethea Pirates. Pailyn with a chance to all but lock up that #1 seed, and potentially put a serious dent in the Pirates hopes for one of the wildcard spots. The Pirates have the chance to put themselves in the driver seat for the remainder of the season.
Complete CCL standings after week 16 of 19
