Playoff picture set in Shire
MIDDLE EARTH - With Mirkwood and Lake Town clinching wins in their respective divisions and Bree's magic number for the Wild Card down to 1, the matchups for the Shire Conference playoffs are set. This season's powerhouse, the Bucklebury Fairies, will square off against the Archers, while the Marauders take on the Cheese in the Fellowship Series.
Bucklebury Fairies vs. Lake Town Archers
Bucklebury is riding the crest of a wave that has already seen them win the most games in Fairies franchise history. However, more than one 100+ win team has entered the playoffs only to be cut down by the Archers. In 2005, Bree (100-62) felt the arrow's sting. In 2006, Lake Town struck again, killing the hopes of the Cheese (102-60). Finally, last season, the Archers knocked off Rivendell (107-55). The one-two punch of starters Gwomer Grailas (20-5) and Gandogast Fadrier (13-10) and the hot hitting of Nuukor Gnomekicker (.360) will give the Bucklebury crew a tough run. Meanwhile, the Fairies have an incredible pitching staff with starters Shinsnapper (21-7), Goblinback (17-5), Deanadur (17-8) and Beardcutter (14-5) and relievers Issth Elilmalad (16-7) and Imrohil Haleogast (38 saves). And with 3 100+ RBI guys (Peatfingers, Mawaan and Galdor), the Fairies will be hard to beat. Bucklebury has won 13 out of 16 games with the Archers this season.
Mirkwood Marauders vs. Bree Cheese
Once more into the breach for these two teams. Mirkwood is the reigning League Champ, having won the Return of the King Series the last 3 seasons in a row. Meanwhile, the Cheese are making their 5th straight trip to the postseason. In every year but 2004, they have been stopped in the Fellowship Series (twice by Lake Town, once by Mirkwood). The one year they made it to the Two Towers Series was the last time the Bucklebury Fairies made the playoffs. The curse of the Cheese has struck again, as one of their best pitchers, Ban Arwodur (14-9), is out for the season. This will put a lot of pressure on remaining ace, Eralak Bugbearripper (18-8). The Marauders counter with the League's best offense, starring powerhouse hitters like Mohair Catsquisher (.339), Galaigast Faromli (.319, 43 HR, 123 RBI) and Valin Graniteslinger (36 HR, 113 RBI). Mirkwood has beaten Bree 8 out of 14 games this season.