In a decisive Game 5 of the Championship, anything can happen, but after two definitive wins, the last being a blowout, the Firebells seem to be the odds-on favorite.
After two uncharacteristic back-to-back losses, SF has steadied their rocky offensive ship, with their prolific two-way-playing captain Kelsie Whitmore at the helm. Her trusty crew of explosive bats are finding gaps everywhere in the green, showing no signs of doing otherwise.
Ever since Joely Leguizamon recovered from her Game 1 injury, the scrappy shortstop has been tearing it up at the plate – 6 for 8 with a home run and five RBI’s. Along with Skylar Kaplan, Alexia Jorge, Jua Park, Jill Albayati, Andréanne Leblanc and Amanda Gianelloni, you’re looking at a legendary lineup.
On the mound, Niki Eckert is a lefty who should concern the Queens. In Game 3, her first Postseason appearance, she tossed four innings of five-hit ball, surrendering a stingy two runs. In Game 4, Ela Day-Bédard had a beautiful outing of three innings with an earned run on three hits. And in closing, closer Liz Gilder, another southpaw with punch, is waiting in the wings.
The Queens definitely have their work cut out for them, but it’s hard to count out a team that’s been grinding it out all season with some serious comebacks. Now is the perfect time to showcase that skill.
Led by their captain, Ashton Lansdell, one of the biggest gamers in the league, this LA team is capable of pulling off an upset.
The grand-slam-hitting Ayuri Shimano is one of a long line of threats that include Caitlyn Eynon, Amira Hondras, and the hot-hitting Maggie Foxx, who has come alive – 9 for 16 in the series.
Starters and the bullpen are a weaker link – yet when Jamie Mackay is on her game, she doesn’t give up much, and if Amayi Sato is vintage, she can very well be the Player of the Game. Despite being roughed up a game or two, don’t bail on Meggie Meidlinger, the architect who can draw up a winning plan late in the game.
Which team will take home the Championship crown and be doused with champagne? In a season full of two-way players, to quote Abbott & Costello, the best comedic duo of all time, “Who’s on first? What’s on second? And I Don’t Know is on third.” Who knows? It’s truly anyone’s game.