To expand on the AL west race, I'll take a look at Helena's playoff chances. They've managed to hold up their end of the bargin holding serve with the recently surgant Salem Witch Doctors; however holding serve at this point of the season while 7 games back in the standing isn't enough. Time is closing out quickly on the season, so while they face both Tacoma and Salem to close out the season, their best bet at this point in the season comes in chasing down Jacksonville for the final playoff spot.
While Helena has been winning, Jacksonville has been mostly losing (6-12 over their last 18) finding themselves with a slim 2 game margin heading into the final 2 weeks. Both teams have a series w/ Philly who may have just about locked up the 2 seed and could be looking to get their regulars full rest and playing some younger talent, but will still be a tough win any night. Otherwise, Helana's other games look a shade tougher, meaning they've got their work cut out for them. However, Jacksonville is quickly wearing down w/ 7 of their 9 regulars under 93% health, and couple down in the low 80s. Meanwhile Helana has nearly everyone at full health, and a 3 game set w/ San Jose should provide them ample opportunity to rest a few kids here and there for the kick drive.
Jacksonville has a top notch pitching staff, but with so many players on the brink of exhaustion, will they be able to hold up down the stretch? Trenton and Salt Lake both remain in the picture, each 5 and 6 games behind Jacksonville repectively and will need to make things happen quickly in order to be a threat heading into the final weekend.
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