We're still tabulating the offensive records that were broken in the Steaks/ISO Pale home run derby.
With 97 degree heat and zero wind, the ball was flying. The Steaks and ISO Pale put on an offensive performance for the ages. A 6 home run game for Jimmy Froio. A cycle for Riley Brindle. 18 total home runs in a four inning game. All 10 players hit at least one home run. 31 hits for the Steaks. Many records fell. In other action, the Juice and WCW locked up in two tight contests that lived up to the billing and the Bilabial Stops locked up the regular season pennant while moving to 10-0. The aftermath:
Power Rankings After Week Seven
1. Bilabial Stops (10-0)
Last Week: #1
The machine keeps on rolling, as the Stops pounded out 15 and 14 hits, respectively, in a 20-5, 12-2 sweep over the Knucks. Late runs were allowed by the superb mound duo of Brown and Usoff, but those are no cause for concern. Two more series separate the goose egg from the finish line.
2. 100% Real Juice (8-4)
Last Week: #3
"When you come at the king, you best not miss.” The Juice salvaged their hopes at the #2 seed and regained the #2 Power Ranking by rallying for a 9-5 Game 2 win over the West Coast Washout, highlighted by the return of 2018 Cy Young winner Aaron Hunter. The Juice pounded out 19 hits, but will need to improve their efficiency in order to get past their long-time nemesis, the RBI Steaks this Sunday.
3. West Coast Washout (8-4)
Last Week: #2
The Washout gritted out a 5-2 victory over the Epo-led Juice, despite being outhit 7-5. Jonathan Stevens, Dan Rish and Karl Koch all homered in the first inning of Game 2 to take a 3-2 lead, but the offensive effort fell short despite solid defense behind Karl Koch, ending the Washout win streak at 7. ISO Pale awaits before the playoffs.
4. RBI Steaks (6-6)
Last Week: #5
The RBI Steaks dug into their farm system for a much-needed sweep of ISO Pale. Five of the six players in the Steak lineup homered before an out was recorded in a wacky 29-18 victory. Jimmy Froio homered 6 times to gain the league lead, and twice more in the 19-8 nightcap victory to add to his lead. A win over the Juice would cement at least a play-in playoff game.
5. Mighty Knucks (6-6)
Last Week: #4
The Knucks failed to punch their ticket to playoffs against the Bilabial Stops, but that's a task which 5 teams have tried at and failed. They will go into next week’s 5:30 PM matchup with the Wiffers knowing exactly what they need to make it to the dance.
6. Sheryl Crows (5-7)
Last Week: #7
The path for the Crows to reach the playoffs is clear, but daunting. They would need to steal a game from the Bilabial Stops at 10 AM next week, and then watch the RBI Steaks vs 100% Real Juice with bated breath. Picking up a game in the standings would leave the teams tied.
7. Wiffers (3-7)
Last Week: #6
The Wiffers have a chance to play spoiler vs. the Mighty Knucks (playoff hopes) and Bilabial Stops (undefeated season). Win three of four off the bye, and they just might make it to the playoffs in their own right.
8. ISO Pale (0-12)
Last Week: #8
These lovable losers banged out 21 hits in Game 1 against the RBI Steaks. Unfortunately, they allowed 31. Runs and homers will abound in their season finale date with the West Coast Washout.
Week eight is a full slate! We ask that you please push games along whenever possible to maximize the amount of wiffling we can pack into a full day of games. See you Sunday!
