The playoffs in Austria started with a huge surprise and a win by a favourite. Fourth place finisher Kufstein Vikings swept the doubleheader against regular season leader Superfund Wanderers 6-5 and 7-6. Mosquito Athletics lost both games against Vienna Metrostars. Both teams now need just one more win to reach the Austrian Baseball Finals. They will complete the best-of-five-series next weekend.
Kufstein Vikings – Superfund Wanderers 6-5 and 7-6 (2-0)
Kufstein, after the regular season in 4th place and with a five-game-losing-streak, got two upset wins against the championships favourite. But it was hard work. The Wanderers started strong in game one and scored five runs in the third. One period later the Vikings cut the lead to 3-5. They completed the comeback in frame six, when they added three more runs. Both teams had Austrian national tema starting pitchers on the mound. Werner HARRASSER got the win, Clemens CHICKOCKI recorded the loss.
If you thought the first one had much drama, the second one was a thriller as well. Kufstein began with two runs in the first and led 3-1 after the third. Clemens CHICKOCKI tied the game in the frame number four with a two-run-homerun. The lead changed several times till the eighth. Some hits and bunts later and the Vikings were 7-6 in front. It was the last run of the day.
Superfund is now in a 0-2 hole and stands with the back to the wall. They need three wins next weekend in Vienna to reach the finals.
Mosquito Athletics – Vienna Metrostars 7-9 and 0-9 (0-2)
The second semi-final was dominated by the favourite team. The Metrostars won the first game with three late runs. Before that, both teams were up in front several times. But Vienna was the lucky one in the end. Walter STRASSER (A´s) and Andreas KRYSZAN (Metrostars) started on the mound. Part two of the doubleheader was much more one-sided. Vienna’s starting pitcher Tim PATRICK dominated the A´s and got the win with a 9-0 shutout. The Offense needed some time to score, but came through in the fifth.
So, the Metrostars lead the series now 2-0 and can clinch the finals at home next week.