First-Round Playoff Rundown (After Day 5)

(6) Master Batters leads (3) Homestead Grays 359.5-354

So we're half way there and it's been an interesting start.

Albert Pujols has singe-handedly led the 6th place Master Batters to a very slim lead over the 3rd place Homestead Grays. Pujols has 4 HR and 43 points over the first 5 games of the series. The Master Batters jumped out to a quick 155-95 lead with 5 strong starts from Rich Harden (@NYM), Joe Blanton (@HOU), Scott Baker (@CLE), Mitchell Boggs (@PIT), and Brian Matusz (TEX). The five hurlers combined to go 3-0 over 31 IP with just 10 ER and 26 K's and a total of 106 points.

The Homestead Grays have been led by the contributions of a couple of young Rockies. OF Carlos Gonzalez has launched 2 HR and swiped 2 bags for 25 points over the first 5 games. Teammate Franklin Morales has 3 saves over the stretch while filing in for injured Rockies closer Huston Street. The young lefty threw3 scoreless innings with 4 K's for 32 points out of the bullpen. Zack Greinke (27), Jonathan Sanchez (21), Jorge De La Rosa (24), Johnny Cueto (21.5), Ricky Romero (22) have all posted 20+ point performances in their first starts.

The Master Batters offence has outpaced the Homestead Grays 188-134 though the first 5 days.

The Homestead Grays will need strong starts from Greinke (@CLE), De La Rosa (@SD), Cueto (@CHC), Jimenez (@SD), Sanchez (LAD), Scott Kazmir (CWS), Jason Hammel (@SF) and Ricky Romero (@DET) and hope that opposing pitchers can keep Albert Pujols in the ballpark.

The Master Batters will need him to do just the opposite. With just 4 starts remaining and '08 4th Overall Pick Brian Matusz facing the Yankees in the Bronx, the likes of Prince Albert, Ian Kinsler, and Robinson Cano are going to have to lead the charge offensively to get it done.

(4) The Screwballs vs. (5) Starcity Arms... to come