Molly Darcy's, Olde Time Hardware, and Sullivan's Pub, all went undefeated last week and are looking to continue their climb in the standings.

Molly's, which now features three pitchers in Jim McNiff, Chris Burnell, and 'The Rifleman,' has been playing steady ball and is looking towards a two game showdown with the Moran Club. Steve Muldowney, who is near the top in every offensive category, Kevin Doyle, Bill Louberry, and Ed McKenna lead Molly's offense. Depending on the outcome of the two games, Molly's could move up and take third place from the Seapoint Restaurant.

After the Olde Time Hardware got off to a slow start (1-7), coach Mike Medico knew he had to make some changes in the lineup to save the season. Speed in the outfield and pitching were two of the main weaknesses that Medico looked to improve. Within a week, Matt Nee, Mike Caputo, Rubin Alicea, and Jose Bonilla were added to the Olde Time roster. This influx of talented players along with the return of steady second baseman, Pat Lavey, has helped the team go 8-3 and climb in the standings. With the playoffs approaching one wonders if the Old Time Hardware can continue their rise to the top by capturing the championship at season's end.

Like Olde Time, Sullivan's Pub is another team that has managed to turn their season around. When the season began, coach Rich Linehan was just looking to compete and have some fun with his forty-plus team. But as the season wore on, Linehan suddenly found himself frustrated at the fact that many of his players did not share his enthusiasm and were not showing up for the games. As Linehan contemplated about pulling his team out of the league, he said "give us one more night." One more night has turned into a season as Sully's Pub has been getting steady player attendance and performances ever since. More importantly, the team is winning games and coach Linehan is having fun.

The Seapoint Restaurant took on the Sidewalk Cafe in another mush anticipated game between the two rivals last week. The two met in last year's semi-final series in which the Sidewalk swept in three close games. But this year it has been all Seapoint as they continued their dominance over the Sidewalk Cafe in cruising to a 7-0 shutout win. It was the third and final meeting of the regular season between these two teams and seapoint has won them all (8-6, 4-1, 7-0).

Paul Alessi earned the shutout win and was backed by a four-run fifth inning that saw Tony Jiminez clear the bases with a one out double. Shortstop Pat Sullivan, also had a strong game in the field and at the plate as he collected three hits including a pair of doubles.

Finally, because of all of the rain we had earlier in the season the playoffs have been moved back a week and will start on Monday, August 24. The playoff format is as follows: 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5 in a best of three series. Second round will be a best of five series and the finals a best of seven.

Next week's article will be written from the sandy shores of Key Largo, Florida where I will be taking a much needed vaction. Until then, have a great week!