Last week we covered the first six-playoff qualifying teams so this week we will cover the remaining contenders.

The Junction (7-11): regardless of how they do in their make up series against the Playwright, the Junction will finish in seventh place and most likely face the Sidewalk Cafe (15-3) in the first round. The Junction lost both games played against the Sidewalk this year, 10-5 and 23-8 but have improved their play since that early season series. Coach and pitcher Timmy Joyce will need to field his most competitive team to give the Junction a shot against the defending champions. Joyce can count on Terry Flaherty's hot bat (.549) and John Shea's power (5 hr's 21 RBI, .551) but will need a lot more from his supporting cast. Pitching and defense will be keys to winning and the Junction will be heavily tested in those areas.

Anchors (5-11): the Anchors are in a race against the Hit Dawgs for the last playoff position. With the Hit Dawgs playing the Playwright on Friday it appears that they will need to win one game out of their next four to clinch. Tuesday's doubleheader against the Beer Garden will likely determine their season.

It has been a frustrating year for first year coach/pitcher Sean Richards. Sean had high hopes of competing at the top of the standings but instead is fighting to stay alive in the playoff hunt. The Anchors have some talent but haven't been able to pull it all together when needed. Mike Martin (.586) and Chris Brown (.436) have been consistent threats at the plate but the Anchors will need a lot more offense to compete against their likely first round opponent - the Playwright.

Hit Dawgs (5-13): coach Jeremy Beauchemin thought he was entering a team that would make last year's top offensive team look like little leaguers. However, it didn't work out that way as his Dawgs have struggled in every category of the game. Their power is down (8 Hr's), runs scored are down, and their runs allowed is the third highest in the league.

Although it has been an off year for them they can still get into the playoffs with a win against the Playwright or four losses by the Anchors. Leading the way for the Dawgs attack is Jake Drew (.576 23 RBI), coach Beauchemin (.561 25 RBI), and Brian Schofield (.509 26 RBI).

Regardless of whom the qualifying eight teams are, sports fans will be in for a treat these next few weeks with great playoff pairings. The format features five and seven game series with plenty of closely contested games that will challenge the players both physically and mentally. In the end, the team that wins it all will have persevered through dropped balls, missed calls, and missed opportunities. Their willingness to win and to sacrifice themselves to make a play will ultimately be the difference in winning and losing. Eight teams will begin the playoffs on August 23rd (6:30) but only one will have what it takes to win it all.

Our playoff special - mention that you read this column and you will get into the park for free! Have a great week and we look forward to seeing you at the games.