The pressure of the competition will then increase when the four advancing Feeney Division winners are paired against the Moran teams (Playwright, Hawks, Sidewalk, and Shannon's) in a best of three series. Although they are supposedly stronger, a few of the Feeney teams may be primed for upsets by the "something to prove" Moran teams. We have all seen it before where a good team falls behind early in a game then starts pressing to make things happen. Well readers, you can witness a part of M Street Softball history by getting to the field and watching our mid-August classics.

Before we get to the playoffs, there are still some great games to be played and some scores to be settled. In the Feeney division, the Hawks have a slim lead over the Playwright with two huge games against one another coming up on August 4th (7:30 start). Meanwhile, the Spartans continue to hold on to their two game lead over the surprising Green Team in the Moran division. Those two teams face one another on August 10th (9pm) - the last game of the season.

Boston Hawks (12-3) - consistent play has carried them right into first place in the very competitive Feeney division. The Hawks continue to put up runs while playing great defense and getting quality starts from pitchers Maurice Wiggins and Sammy Acevedo.

Playwright (8-3-1) - the defending champions they may have hurt themselves last week when they blew a 7-1 late inning lead to Shannon's. It appears that they will need a sweep over the Hawks on Thursday (August 4th) in order to finish in first place. Although their offense is struggling, pitchers Domenic Lemarra and Jerry Thomes are carrying the load from the mound.

Sidewalk Café (6-7-1) - the Sidewalk team appears to have finally hit a groove and is playing well as of late. They came away with a split against the Hawks last week but could have easily swept the series. Two big games against Shannon's were scheduled for them this week with the outcome of those games pretty much determining their final standing.

Shannon's Tavern (5-8-1) - although they find themselves in last place in the Feeney division, Shannon's has nothing to be alarmed about. They know they can play and beat anyone of the three teams above them. For them to succeed, it will be a matter of their sluggers getting and staying hot.

Spartans (12-1) - they have not lost since pitcher Jim McNiff joined the club ten games ago. This team seems destined to win the division then upset a Moran team in the playoffs. They have youth, power, skills, determination, and leadership on the mound.

Green Team (11-3) - this surprising team has some very tough games ahead on the schedule. They will need to win at least four of their remaining five to make their season ending game against the Spartans one that determines first place in the Moran division. Nicholas French continues to be the rising star on this team as he continues to pitch and hit his team to victories.

Sharks (7-5-1) - a two win week has suddenly put the Sharks back into the middle of the pack. After floundering near the bottom of the standings the Sharks regrouped and have put together a string of well played games. Jake Drew and Brian Schofield continue to lead the team in most hitting categories.

Murphy's Law (7-3) - they suffered a tough 7-6 loss to the Spartans last week that would have landed them in second place. Instead, Murphy's sits in fourth place and will have to win their games and hope for some help in order to catch the red hot Spartans. Mike Quirk and Nick Herz lead the team in RBI's with 16 and 17 respectively.

Boston Beer Garden (7-5) - staying in fifth place might be a very difficult chore for the Beer Garden softball team as all of their remaining games are against teams with winning records. Sidewalk, the Hawks, and the Spartans are just a few opponents ahead on the schedule for the Beer Garden.

Brewers (6-9) - they have more than doubled their win total from last year and could win another before the season is completed. The Brewers will be in the playoffs and have enough talent to upset a team in the preliminary round.

Il Giardino Café (3-10) - this team has struggled to get their nucleus on the field this year and their record shows. It appears that they will not catch the Brewers and will be facing a top Moran team in a one game playoff. However, this could be a dangerous team to draw if their players return in time for the playoffs.

Dorset Club (3-10) - a week and a half ago they were winless. Today, they are riding a three game winning streak and are suddenly back into the race for the remaining playoff position. They are playing with a lot of confidence at the right time of the season. Look out Spartans!

Seapoint Restaurant (3-11) - as a first year team, Seapoint is still finding there way around the league. They are currently sitting on the playoff bubble and will need a win to edge out the Dorset club to secure the last position. Wins are going to be difficult to come by as they have a pretty tough schedule ahead.

L Street Tavern (1-14) - another first year team who are finding that competing is one thing but securing wins is another. This group is very much into playing and will be looking to rebuild for the 2006 season. We hear that "Spiderman" and the "Superman" will be members next season.

In closing, league games are played on weeknights, Monday through Friday, at the M Street Softball field starting at 6:15pm. Admission is still free and wives, girlfriends, families, relatives, kids, and neighbors are encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!