8/12/09 Township Series Preview. Did anyone question the fact that the Belly Itchers would once again return to defend their title? Always a safe bet with a low payout, but they are the strongest team in the KWL. Many also believed that the Flyin' Wildebeest would once again manage to return in an attempt of redemption from last years slacking and in the same fashion as last season, stormed back in the American League Championship series to secure their spot for the second straight season in the Township Series.

2009 Township Series 21-3 VS. 17-6 Belly Itchers vs. Flyin' Wildebeest A rematch of the 2008 Township Series, the Flyin' Wildebeest once again will be considered a heavy underdog against the 2-time champion Belly Itchers. The task to dethrown the defending champs will rest squarely on the shoulders of Matt Kirsch. As a whole, the Belly Itchers are better team, but you can never count out a team that touts two of the leagues best pitchers (Kirsch and Ross). Belly Itchers Regular season record was 22-3   The Wildebeests Regular season record was 17-6. Belly Itchers scored 5.7 runs per game this season.     The Wildebeests scored 3.5 runs per game this season. Belly Itchers are 8-0 all-time vs. Flyin' Wildebeest.   The Wildebeest are 0-8 all-time vs. Belly Itchers. The Itchers are hitting .264 as a team this postseason and have scored 19 runs.   The Wildies are hitting .370 as a team this postseason and have scored 22 runs. Belly Itchers team ERA is 2.87 this postseason.   Wildebeest team ERA is 3.90 this postseason.

Key Players this series. Matt Kirsch - Single handedly defeated the Industrials in the ALCS. Matt's momentum into this series is crusal to the outcome of this series. Killa Kirsch has become a more complete player this season and his team will look for him to drive in runs, and shut down hitters. Mike Downs - Fresh off a sucessful finish of the NLCS, Mike will need to return to the Downs of yester-years and not the struggling hiter he was in 2009. Capable of hitting any pitcher, Mike's swing can surely make or break their sucess to crack through the tough Wildebeest 1/2 punch.

Township Series Schedule: Game 1 and 2: Thursday August 13th, 6:00pm Game 2 and 4: Monday August 17th, 6:00pm Game 5, 6 and 7 (if nec.): Thursday August 20th, 6:00pm