After four weeks, it appears that the World Series Runners up, the Taka Drivers, are putting the wiffle world on notice. Even if they did not play last week, their record now stands at 8-0 (two wins via forfeit from Ninjas) and they have a commanding lead in the standings. They have established themselves as the team to beat in 2017. With a showdown with the GasHouse Gorillas coming in a few days, they have their chance at revenge from the last two seasons. Speaking of GasHouse, they bullied the Digger Dudes as they got back in track with a sweep. Now at 3-2, GasHouse continues to look up in the standings (something they are not accustomed to) and has a chance to chip into the Taka choke-hold on first place. Even with the biggest series in 2017 on the horizon, we can't forget about other teams who look to make a push to the World Series. The Nighttime Ninjas are looking to rebound after some unfortunate circumstances forced them to forfeit their last two. They have the potential to be considered a title contender but, each week could result in a new lineup. Which can result in the timing and rhythm of a lineup. Looking at the bottom half of the standings, the Ducks on the Pond got their first win of the season in a series split between the Bird Gang. In that series we had two 2017 debuts by Brian Brilmyer and Andrew Felde that fed into the excitement of Sunday Night Griffleball. As mentioned earlier, the Digger Dudes were swept by the champs and still have trouble scoring. If they don't figure out their offense fast they could be stuck at two wins for the rest of the year. It seems (as most predicted) to be a three team race at the bottom of the standings for that last spot in the playoffs. Here are the Power Rankings after for weeks of action.
GRIFFLEBALL POWER RANKINGS
1. Taka Drivers 8-0 (--)
Even without playing last week, Taka still made a tremendous impact by adding two more wins to their record. As a team, they lead the league in batting average (.337) and on base percentage (.488). And on the mound, they have an 0.16 ERA in 32 innings pitched. They are ready for a series with the champs.
2. GasHouse Gorillas 3-2 (Up 2)
GasHouse has bounced back nicely after being swept by the Nighttime Ninjas. They found their offense in week four by crushing five home runs and scoring fourteen runs. That is the kind of offense we are used to from the champs. They will have their hands full next week as they rematch with the Taka Drivers.
3. Nighttime Ninjas 3-3 (Down 1)
Hard to imagine just a few weeks ago that the Ninjas swept the GasHouse Gorillas. They added two losses to their record because they could not field a team. It was the first forfeit losses since 2015. What it is even more surprising is seeing that they have three losses and they have not given up an earned run (so that's a positive). Griffleball can be crazy sometimes.
4. Bird Gang 2-4 (Up 1)
The Bird Gang split another series with their opponents after being swept during opening day. They may not have an offense that can hot for power (0 home runs) but they find ways to win. Manager Matt Zurawski has been their best hitter (.261) and gives his team plenty of base-runners (OBP .485). He just needs a bit of help on the offensive end as they struggle as a team to score.
5. Ducks on the Pond 1-4 (Up 1)
The Ducks notched their first win a little earlier this season compared to 2016. Brian Brilmyer made his debut and pitched exceptionally as he took a no-hitter into the fifth. Their offense finally cam around last week as Shawn Siokis clubbed his first home run of the season (grand slam). Let's hope another slow start to the season does not hinder them during a playoff push.
6. Digger Dudes 2-6 (Down 3)
The Dudes have had a major problem at the plate. They have hit .116 as a team and only getting on base at a .208 clip. Overall, last week was not kind to the Digger Dudes but they do have a few things going well. Nick Bobowski has an 0.88 ERA in 17 innings and Brandon Burnell is hitting .250 with 2 HR and 2 RBI. It is not all doom and gloom quite yet.
GRIFFLEBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
HITTER OF THE WEEK
Ryan Galiher
2 Game .529 (9/17) 4 Home Runs 12 RBI 3 BB 2 K
PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Brian Brilmyer
1 Game Started 1-0 4 IP 1 HA 0 ER 2 BB 4 K
GRIFFLEBALL SCHEDULE
WEEK FIVE (June 4th)
3 AND 4 PM - Nighttime Ninjas (3-3) at Bird Gang (2-4)
5 AND 6 PM - Digger Dudes (2-6) at Ducks on the Pond (1-4)
7 AND 8 PM - Taka Drivers (8-0) at GasHouse Gorillas (3-2)
NWLA REGIONAL (June 10th)
9:30 AM - GBL Paw Chests (19-21) at BCW Keg Crushers (1-12)
10:30 AM - HRL All-Stars (27-11) at GBL Paw Chests (19-21)
12:30 PM - SFWL Loons (3-6) at GBL Paw Chests (19-21)
1:30 PM - GBL Paw Chests (19-21) at BWB Bombers (0-0)
WIFFLE OUT!
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