Playoff Preview #2

The Phillies have a tough road ahead of them, and need to rely on a few things if they want to win softball games. One main thing the Phillies need is for Hoder and Abernethy to keep bringing home base runners. Those two guys are the clear leaders in RBI’s and if Allbritton wants to win they need them to keep producing. Shawn Hoder was recently voted Outstanding Player of the Week by his teammates for his performance in the last two games. He brought nearly every runner home and if he keeps it up he can really help pull this team through the playoffs.

The weather conditions will certainly be a factor on gameday. The team better get extra rest Friday night for the day they have on Saturday. The temperature for the day is forecasted to peak 90 degrees. They will take the field 45 minutes earlier than they normally do and are facing top competition throughout the day. And, obviously, if the Phillies keep winning softball games they will have to play more and more. They could wind up playing 4-5 games if they play at their best.

I see a good day for the Phillies if they perform as they have recently. The Phillies are 6-3 against playoff teams in the regular season. On mediasoftball.net, CNN and Allbritton are voted as the two most likely teams to win it all, only separated by one vote. CNN defeated Allbritton 19-1 in the second game during week one.

-Eric Jensen