Back At It

First off congrats to Thursday for picking up their first all-star game win.  It was never in doubt, really, as Thursday led 2-1, 4-2, 6-3, 8-4, 10-5 and won 12-6.  Thursday also has the reigning champ, and reigning runner up.  Time  for Tuesday to step up.

Also, men’s 2v2 playoff match ups are up (posted on bulletin board).  Get your first round game in anytime between now and March 15th.

As for tonight’s game, one could make a strong case for every one of the early games having bowl off potential.  Exciting, close matches.

Predictions: 95-45

Game of the Night

EARLY #1 Back in Black (6-0) -1 vs #4 Bingas (4-2): Jamaican Jerk has guaranteed a victory in this one, and all podcast listeners know I’m a Binga’s homer, but I can’t pick against BIB in this one.  I would have taken Binga’s by one late, but early I’m sticking with the #1 team.  Bama says he has some sort of hand injury but he’ll play through it.  Binga’s mid game safety meeting may disrupt BIB’s rhythm, but they could always just take a slightly longer cig break.  Tso should be back from the tropics giving Binga’s a full lineup, but I think BIB finds a way.

Early Games

#6 Turkey Club (4-2) -1 B.E.E.R. (3-3): Obviously a difficult game for me to pick.  Roadhouse is hot right now, winning (then surrendering) an all-star spot with a 200+ then rolling something like a 270 at the MIST on Sunday.  BEER can’t match that but matchup rather evenly overall.  McQueen is back and is a Herk-esque wildcard. The BEER ladies are both in the top 5, but still chasing Bora Bora.  E-Minor and McQueen are both primed to be podcast guests this week so bragging rights would be big.  Natro may be showcasing his talents for any Thursday teams that are watching.  Hungus will have to beat Roadhouse for a BEER upset.

#1B My Balls (6-0) -3 vs No Eye Deer (4-3): This will be another stern test for My Balls, who have had a series of close calls but survived them all.  NED is confident after knocking off Incredibowls last week.  Donzarelli and Dirty Sylon will push Wej as long as they can, but Wej should grab the top points.  My Balls should welcome back Captain Barry Violet, and that should be enough for them to advance to 7-0.  They are a really solid team, and would love to knock another challenger out of contention.

Budweisers (2-4) -1 vs Nuts (3-3): The Buds finally got a win last week to complement their strong average.  They are a dangerous group and Sir Marks a  Lot is starting to heat up with his 2nd 200.  Pickup Truck should go off next.  The Nuts are still a contender, and they will battle the Buds in this one.  Herbie is also back from the tropics (I’m getting jealous of all these tropical jaunts by BoPoers). He’ll have an advantage on the ladies’ side with his all-star Ruby Canary.  Like the other early games, this promises to be competitive.

Wrecking Balls (1-6) -1 vs Three Livers (1-5): This 8th year rivalry marks the low point int he series as both franchises are having their worst season.  I’m going with Wrecking Balls because they have the players on the roster to be competitive, they just rarely show up together.  If Dude, Swanny and Swing all show this one will be a blowout.  However, that never happens, and Bernie and Wilma are used to beating these guys so they’ll be ready.

Late Games

#3 Yahtzee (6-2) -3 vs Sons of Danarchy (3-3):  S.Podcast host Space Farmer mentions every week how confounded he is by SOD, and I tend to agree.  They seem loaded with talent, and can beat anyone, but you can’t count on them.  No result is a surprise.  I will say I think they’ll be up for this one, and I think McStriker will bring the noise.  I see something like a 4-1 lead, then a 6-4 lead, then a 9-6 loss.  Cheddar is out to start climbing the average ladder again after his worst ever BoPo week, and Sparkles has to take off at some point.

Strikes of Hazzard (1-5) -1 vs Off Constantly (2-4):  Hazzard is overdue for a win, and OC is coming off a long layoff.  I’m banking on General Lee coming in and putting up monster scores and Uncle Jessie having his breakout week.  Oh yeah, they also got Miz Tizdale back (from a tropical vacation, ugh).  Dick L. tried taking OC to a hockey game to bring them tighter, sort of like when LeBron’s Cavs went bowling this year then turned their season around with a crazy long winning streak, but OC doesn’t have a LeBron.  LeBr-Oz?

Cape Fear (3-5) -5 vs Saucy Posse (1-6): Cape Fear is having a strong season in their Tuesday A debut, and could easily get to 4-5 here.  That’s a great franchise start.  SauPp’s franchise is going in the other direction as they have a better average than just 2 Tuesday B teams.  I could see some major shakeups in the offseason.  Walter needs a change – new ball, new shot, new cocktail, something – because his team is looking to him to lead.  Hot Sauce has even stopped trash talking at this point.  Cape Fear’s all-stars South Paw and Bacon will be too much for the County boys.

#3B Splits Happen (6-1) -2 vs BILFs (2-4): BILF’s actually have 1 one pin average lead in this matchup, but Splits is 6-1.  Noone gets more out of a team than Xander Rolle.  He has Splits believing in themselves and firmly in the running for the Tuesday B crown.  I did not see that coming and they are one of the pleasant surprises of 2015.  BILF are coming off a big 15-0 win and will try to ride that momentum to an upset.  DeLoose Cannon will try to build on his 200 from last week, and I keep waiting for an Old Thumper breakout week.  I think this will be close but Splits seems to always find a way to win.

Incredibowls (5-3) -7 vs Pinups (1-6): The Incredibowls had a tough week with a couple losses.  They should be able to turn that around this week but may have lost their chance at the division title.  The Pinups aren’t worried about titles, just hoping to find wins anywhere they can.  They have had some close calls, but I don’t expect this to be one of them.