It’s VERY important!
As of this moment the IronPigs defeated the Buffalo Bison leveling the two team’s records at 69-66.
Rochester lost to Indianapolis. While maintaining their Wild Card lead this loss cuts the IronPigs to 2.5 behind.
Between Rochester and the IronPigs are the Norfolk Tide. The Tide at 70-64 have long been eliminated from their division contest are 6-4 in their last 10 contests. They are fighting hard and have a 1.5 game lead over the Pigs and Bison for the only wild card spot in the International League Playoffs. Pawtucket seems to be in solid control of first place going 8-2 over their last 10.
Tomorrow is huge for the Pigs.
Win both against Buffalo at home and they push Buffalo nearly out of contention. A double win would also take away that half game between the Pigs and Norfolk/Rochester.
Combined with Norfolk and Rochester losses tonight and tomorrow the IL Wild Card standings could look like this:
Rochester 72 wins 65 losses Leader
IronPigs 71 wins 66 losses 1 game back
Norfolk 70 wins 66 losses 1.5 games back
Buffalo 69 wins 68 losses 3 games back
Granted there are only 7 games remaining but the IronPigs would be in a good spot to jump over Buffalo and Norfolk then keep winning and hoping that Rochester takes some losses from one last game against Indianapolis, 2 games with Syracuse, 4 with Buffalo and 2 with Scranton Wilkes Barre. Indianapolis has helped the Pigs gain ground but Rochester could easily handle the rest of their schedule.
It’s plain and simple at this point. The Pigs aren’t a long shot, nor is this a weak but unlikely scenario. It’s not even a win and they’re in thing. The Pigs need to win and Rochester and Norfolk need to lose.
I’m not too worried about Norfolk. They have a tougher schedule than Rochester does when they face Durham, Charlotte and Gwinnett with 6 of their last 8 games on the road.
The Pigs can do this. The Phillies have accepted their status as rebuilding. Hopefully they can get a few good solid starts in there and the bullpen comes through. With Tyler Cloyd returning it will certainly be a boost to the staff.
I’m hopeful, but I still haven’t purchased a post season ticket plan yet… yet.
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