DCS #3 Preview (Sp12): First Timers
Round 1 – Series #3 |
 DC Twits |  Moose Knuckles | ||
Neither of these two teams have ever experienced the playoffs before. The Moose Knuckles being the cocky new team hoping to upset the establishment and DC Twits in their third season finally tasting post season after a key free agent off season pickup.
Watching the Moose Knuckles it’s hard to figure out why they’re 11-3 and the #3 seed. They have a hard time scoring runs, and while their ace and manager Matt Gagnon is one of the top 5 pitchers in the league, he doesn’t dominate like a Thaman or a DiCrosta do. They are aggressive on the bases, which has probably helped them win 10 of their 11 games this season, and they can run themselves into a victory. They’ll hold up fine against the low scoring Twits, but it’s hard to win series without scoring a lot of runs.
The Twits have improved each of their three seasons, going from a 7-7 start, to 8-6 last season and just missing post-season, to a 9-5 clinch of the weak Western Division this year. Stephen Crawford was a key off season pickup and has player of the week nominations for both pitching and hitting this season. There is some concern that they won’t be able to have their full team for all games. Campbell and Hudson are both streaky at the plate, they both need to be hot with a consistent Crawford to make it to Round 2.
Franchise History: They have never played each other.
Probable starters and matchups for Games 1 and 2 are:
DC Twits at Moose Knuckles
Moose Knuckles at DC Twits
DC Twits at Moose Knuckles (if necessary) |
Umpires Ben Thompson and Darryl Blan will work the series. Adam Webster will be the official scorekeeper.