With the 28th regular season finally in the books the playoffs are underway in the M Street Softball League. In a telling reflection of just how close the two division races were, the playoff pairings were not determined until the last game of the season was completed.

On Thursday, the Sidewalk Café battled the Boston Beer Garden in a game that would determine first place in the Feeney division. Sidewalk led 6-4 in the seventh inning only to watch the Beer Garden boys rally to tie the game. The 6-6 score would have to stand as the game was well over the time limit and there was still another meaningful game to be played that night.

With little time to rest and playing a game that had no meaning for them in the standings, Sidewalk then took on Shenanigan's Bar & Grille in the second game of their doubleheader. Shenanigan's needed a win to clinch second place in the Moran division. However, in a true testament to Sidewalk they played the game as if it meant the season was on the line as they cruised to a 5-1 victory. The win gave Sidewalk the best overall record, bumped Shennanigans down to third, and allowed Cranberry Café to hold onto second place and a grab first round bye.

Tuesday's action saw Doran Mechanical take on Booze on First in a game that would determine the final playoff position. Doran wasted little time as they jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the first two innings of play. Pitcher Joey Venuti had more than enough run support as he was the difference in this one, 11-6 Doran Mechanical.

With all of the playoff pairings now set the first round was scheduled to begin on Monday, August 18. Playoff game times are 6:30 and 8:30 with games being played Monday through Thursday at M Street Park. Your attendance is welcomed and admission is free.

Moran Division 6th vs. 3rd - the Clough Club (7-8-1) takes on Shenanigan's Bar & Grille (12-4) in a best of three series that was scheduled to begin on Monday, August 18th. The Clough Club is making their playoff debut and will have their hands full in dealing with the pitching they will see in this series. Shenanigan's has five different guys who can pitch effectively - Steve Mills, Jimmy Pinkston, Brian Pacheco, Al Martin, and Eric Malerba.

Moran Division 5th vs. 4th - the Brewers (9-6) face the Stadium Stingers (11-5) in a best of three series scheduled to start on Wednesday, August 20th. In their first year of play, the Stadium enjoyed a fine season and was one of the last teams to lose a game. At one point they were 9-0 before running into a tough second half schedule. On the other side of the diamond the Brewers recovered nicely from a bumpy start and seem ready for the challenge ahead.

Feeney Division 6th vs. 3rd - Doran Mechanical (9-7) and Joey Venuti takes on the Shamrock Pub (13-3). Doran is another rookie team that is just getting their feet wet in the league but they have a big game pitcher on the mound that will be tough to beat. Shamrock on the other hand is a playoff experienced team who are expected to make a run for the finals.

Feeney Division 5th vs. 4th - The Playwright (10-6) makes their playoff debut against the red hot Il Giardino Café (11-5). Since the end of June the Café boys have been scoring plenty of runs and will look to continue the trend into the playoffs. Ken Starr and his teammates will have their hands full but seem poised to prove they can excel at this level.

The Sidewalk Café (14-1-1) and the Boston Beer Garden (13-2-1) both received first round byes in the Feeney division and will await the winners of the two series. Depending on how long the first round series goes the division semi-finals are scheduled to play on Tuesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 28.

Last year's champions, the Dawgs (13-3), and the Cranberry Cafe (13-3) also received first round byes in the Moran division and will await the winners of the two series. Their series was scheduled to begin on Monday, August 25 and continue on Wednesday, August 27. The Dawgs will not be idle this week though as they are headed to Atlanta for the A.S.A. Nationals. Good luck boys!

In closing, this season will be the longest in M Street softball history. Twenty six teams began playing on May 1st and we're hoping to finally crown our champion by the second week of September - a five month span! Speaking of September, the league is holding its first fall league which will start as soon as this season concludes. Individuals who are interested in joining the league are asked to register through our web site www.sbsports.com. We look forward to seeing you on the field or in the stands.