Let’s take a moment to check back in on the playoff odds.
Here are the series to watch over the next three days:
Fitzroy Bohemians @ Preston Bears
The Bears are watching their playoff dreams slip away, and they need to start making up ground on division leader Fitzroy. They’ll send out their #1 starter, Chance Peterson, to open the series. He’s gone 19–7 with a 2.46 ERA this season. Meanwhile, Fitzroy have just learned they’ll be without 2B Filander Robinson due to a broken collarbone. He’d been hitting .313/.427/.418 (139 wRC+) this season.
St Kilda Seagulls @ Geelong Rams
Both of these teams need every win they can get to stay alive. The Seagulls have Tucker Tutepuaki up their sleeves for the first game -- he’s gone 15–12 with a 3.42 ERA and took home July’s Pitcher of the Month award.
Waikato Morepork @ Northland Dolphins
Waitakere Spiders @ Counties Manukau Stallions
Auckland Sharks @ Bay of Plenty Magic
I’m grouping all these NZ North matchups together. The Morepork, Spiders, and Magic all need wins, and they should be the stronger side in each of these series. Let’s not rule out the Dolphins just yet, though -- they still have an outside shot at playoff glory, but it needs to start here.
Manawatu Vikings @ Canterbury Knights
Most think the Vikings have this division sewn up, but the Canterbury Knights will be looking to strengthen their wildcard position. They’ll also avoid facing the two big names in the Manawatu rotation (Fletcher Espley and Honi Paranihi), so it’s as good a chance as any.