We've all been there before; down and out with the cards stacked against you, feeling like all hope is lost. You did the research, put in the hard work, and despite your best efforts you keep looking at your situation believing failure is inevitable. It reminds me of the time I tried to assemble a bed frame from IKEA.
I'm here to tell you that it's not over until it's over and week 19 is a perfect example of that.
After just 2 innings of play, the Los Perros Locos appeared to be well on their way to another victory as they were leading the Damn Yankees 128-38. After a few more back-and-forth innings, the Perros continued to lead after 5 frames by a significant margin, 216-168.
However, late in the game, when the outcome appeared all but certain, the Yankees rallied. With nothing to lose and everyone doubting them, Yankees hitters Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, and Harold Ramirez combined for 9 H, 4 HR, 6 R, and 10 RBI in the 6th inning. Combined with a pair of 30+ performances from Kodai Senga and Eduardo Rodriguez, the Damn Yankees would go on to upset the Perros, 292-275, proving that it' not over until the fat lady sings.
But let's face it, that game isn't what everyone is talking about today.
Today, every sports writer, analyst and talking head out there is covering the events unfolding in the Sagebrush division. I haven't turned on the TV today, but I'm sure ESPN has already run several feature stories about it.
I've written much over the past few weeks about the playoff race in the Sagebrush division and the fact that the Myrtle Beach Mermen were chasing the impossible: closing a 3-game deficit to Akes and Pain in a span of 4 games. If I'm honest, I was already anticipating writing their obituary this week.
I had to change my plans.
With their week 19 victory over the #1 team in the league, the Tator Tots, as well as Akes and Pain's loss to the Poke Bananas, the Mermen are now just 1 game away from stealing a post-season invitation away from Akes. This sets us up for a pair of must-see contests that will determine who gets in and who goes home.
Akes and Pain will control their own destiny when they play host to the Tallahassee Tator Tots this week - if they win, they're in. This season, Akes is 0-2 against the Tots but if they're last meeting is any indication - a 1-run loss to Tots in week 15 - this should be a good game.
But if the Tots can pull off the season sweep against Akes and Pain, the door to the post-season is opened for the Mermen.
The regular season tie-breaker is head-to-head matchups and since the Mermen won 2 of 3 against Akes this year, they could punch their ticket to the big dance if they beat the Springfield Isotopes and score enough to earn the bonus win this week.
This is the part of the post where I warn you not to assume the Mermen will beat the 'Topes.
"What?!? You're crazy, Commish - a genius, but crazy. The Mermen average 40 runs more per game than the 'Topes. Plus, they're at home where they average 306.7 runs/game and the 'Topes only average 255.6 runs/game on the road against divisional opponents."
First of all, I'm proud of you for doing your research. Secondly, those points are all true and they're a good reason to believe the Mermen will win.
But did you know that the last time the Mermen faced the Isotopes, they only scored 188 runs? It's true. Way back in week 15, the Mer-hitters tried to use water-logged driftwood bats and were held to their lowest total of the season.
Could it happen again?
Last week, I was among those who thought the Mermen's opportunity had come and gone. But just a week later, they're proving me wrong. They're still alive and they have one final chance to catch a team they've been chasing for months...Akes and Pain.
Good luck in the final week!
-- Commish
P.S. - I updated the Power Rankings but I did not update the other contests. I'll be sure to have those finalized at the end of week 20.
Comments