Revisiting a Rivalry

The Wildcards look to get back on a winning note this Sunday when they renew their rivalry with the Down Home Blues.

The Wildcards and Blues have always shared a highly-spirited and competitive rivalry. Games have been, for the most part, highly entertaining and evenly-matched. This week's game is looking to be no different.

"We match up well against them." according to Kiddo Wong. "They don't hit for too much power, but they have the ability to string together hits to produce runs." She asserts that the Wildcards will need to be wary of the Blues philosophy of "swiss cheese", referencing their strategy of hitting towards holes and gaps. "With our defence this year, I definitely think our fielders are up to the task."







Chokolate Saks, Sinbad Sinclair, and Franchise Fernando have been solid, and will be counted on to fill in the gaps against the Blues on Sunday.







This represents a particularly interesting test for the Wildcards. Thanks in large part to aggressive shifts, their defence has been nothing short of spectacular. The Wildcards "triangle" and "umbrella" shifts have shown a willingness to jump on hits that have reached the outfield. Outfielder Sixty Chan credits scouting of opponents.

"There's definitely been some behind the scenes scouting of hitters. It helps us to improve our defence from year to year."








Bubba Nisperos (left), r3z Salehoun (right), and Sixty Chan (not pictured) are three components of the Wildcards aggressive "triangle" outfield.







All-time, the Wildcards are 2-2 against the Blues. Traditionally, the Blues take the opening game and the 'Cards would later respond with a victory of their own.

"That's usually how it goes, but I think this year could be different." according to relief pitcher/outfielder El Saviour Bulos. "In previous seasons, it would take a couple of games for everyone to get their mindsets where they needed to be. But this season, having not lost a game everyone's feeling confident, having fun, and believing in one another."

Will the Wildcards get back on a winning note? Or will swiss cheese have them singing a losing note? Whatever happens, outfielder r3z Salehoun has an "alternative" suggestion.