DCR – LEXINGTON SYNTHS (5-10) AT CONCORD RADSTAGS (7-8)
WHAT TO KNOW
This game would be a big bloodworm burger if it were not for the fanfare of Nate Howard and John-Caleb Bradberton being present. Otherwise, this game features the Institute League’s last-place team against its fourth-place team.
Concord is in position to push itself into a true playoff run in the 2nd quarter of the season. Even though the Radstags are just 7-8 at this point, their record leaves them only a game out of 2nd place. If things go right and the 8-7 Sunshine Tidings Chemists and Starlight Lady Killers falter, Concord could see itself suddenly in 2nd.
For the Synths, they are looking to win their second series of the season. Their only series win came in the third week when they took two of three at Starlight. Otherwise, they have either lost two or three (opening weekend versus first-place Abernathy) every series.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM LEXINGTON
A Game 3 win. All but one of the Synths’ five wins came on the last game of the series. That means they are 4-1 in Game 3 so far this season. At the same time, the Synths are a combined 1-9 in Games 1 and 2; therefore, expect losses in those games.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CONCORD
They may be 7-8 at this point in the season, but you cannot blame the Stags’ offense. Though the Stags are second in runs (109), they lead the league in on-base percentage (.404), OPS (.948), Batting WAR (3.1), wOBA (.400), and home runs (23). Now, we in the Wastes may not know all of our baseball stats just yet, but we know that they are producing well on offense. Pitching, however, is the opposite of special. Not to pick too hard, but Jessie Worboys has a 108.00 ERA.
KEY PLAYERS IN THE SERIES
LEX: Straight Up Delicious—RF Crooked Tostado has been the star for Lexington in the first quarter of the season. At .379/3/12, he is helping produce for an offense that has mostly struggled all season. The Synths will need Tostado’s bat to stay steady for them to have a chance to win this series.
CON: He May Be Quick – CF Ricky Ticky Laughy is quick and he is slick, and he has emerged as something different than what a leadoff batter is supposed to be. Though his batting average (.297) has not stood out in any way, it is that his hitting makes him seem more like a cleanup hitter. He has 7 home runs (1st in IL, and tied for 3rd in the CBO) and 15 RBI (second on the Stags), but he has also added 4 stolen bases (2nd in IL and tied for 4th in CBO). He also leads the IL with a 1.1 Batter WAR, 4th best in the CBO behind impressive players like Goodneighbor’s Jumper Hayes (1.5), Finch Farm’s Peter Tatoeater (1.4), and Egret’s Bill Chaney (1.2).
PREDICTION: Stags win Games 1 and 2, lose Game 3