bracketologist wrote:Helpful hints for new Fresno Force Classic coaches. You pitch your #1 in game #1: Why?
1. Notice the number of "hard first round games" this happens every year. Example: This years pool play bracket guarantees BS96 & Ca Rebels will not see each other until late bracket play on Sunday.
2. If you win the first, everything falls into place to "qualify".
Pool A:
1.Power Surge
2.Corona Angels-Knighten
Power Surge over CA Thunder on an error or errors. No defensive errors and Thunder advances. Have a feeling that this will be Thunder’s pitchers best game to date. CA-Knighten win top side. All three will be factors on Sunday. With Thunder running out of gas after two games on Sunday.
Pool B:
1. Team Smith 96
2. Raiders
If Minor’s Gold can get by their 1st game, without using their #1 pitcher – I think they will beat the Raiders in round two. I don't expect that to happen .. as their goal has to be qualifying. Either way if Team Smith plays their A game, they win this bracket.
Pool C:
1.Corona Angels-Lockman
2.Revenge 96'
CA Lockman looks to have the easier path.
Pool D
1.Jynx
2.OC Wildcats 97
The top side of this bracket is heavy, while the bottom is a little lite. Ok I am sticking my neck out picking Jynx over Valley Tribe … but that’s what the poll is telling me.
Pool E:
1.Lil Rebels 96'
2. OC Batbusters Snow
Great pool – The fifth placed team in this pool will likely win the Silver Bracket on Sunday. Don’t over look Sac Fire & Ice. The TNL vs. OC Batbusters game should be a classic (as there is a chance the loser of this game – may not make the gold bracket on Sunday)
Pool F
1. Bomb Squad
2. Strikkers (I like the name)
I like Bomb Squad over Cal Rebels in the one game death match. The bracket gods were kind and gave the winner one games rest before likely meeting the AAs. I like Bomb Squad, Rebels and the AA’s to be contenders on Sunday. One of the finalist will come out of this pool. My vote is for the Rebels.
Pool G:
1. OC Wildcats 96’
2. OCBB M
If they finish 1-2 both teams will be a factor in bracket play – either can afford to finish 3rd because of the extra game and lack of healthy pitchers.
Some other things to consider:
OCBB Marquez - posting for pick-up pitcher, might not have staying power depending on who the injured pitcher is, one has a pretty big bat as well.
CA96 will be missing one of their pitchers and lost a big hitter, defense seems to be struggling lately, could pull it together though.
Wildcats 96 - pitching injuries will also be a factor, but do they have the sticks to compensate - I think so, but not to go all the way.
CA Thunder - could upset PS96 and if they are able to give the '97 a break, could do it again to CA96 and pull double-duty to take the bracket.
OCBB Snow and AA 97 are always a factor for an upset, lots of talent and heart on these teams and I hear MG 97 could also pull some punches...