The 2021 Fall League Playoffs are set to be held December 4th and 5th at Scott Stell Park. This year's postseason will feature all eight teams competing against one another in a single elimination tournament for the fall title!
Below is a breakdown of the first round matchups.
WEST BRACKET
Savannah Thrashers (0-10) @ White Sox (9-1)
The Savannah Thrashers (4th in East) are in search of their first win as they visit the White Sox (1st in West). Despite their record, recent additions to their roster has led to improvements up and down the line-up and they will certainly hold nothing back as they look to knock off the league's defending champion and top overall seed.
The White Sox dropped their final regular season game, snapping an eleven game win streak dating back to last season. Over the past two season, the White Sox are 19-2-1, but know that they will have to be at their best this postseason if they want to repeat as champions.
Season Results: White Sox 10, Savannah 1
Prediction: White Sox 8, Savannah 2
Goon Squad (4-5-1) @ Kingfish (5-3-2)
The Goon Squad (3rd in West) visits the Kingfish (2nd in East) in the other Western Bracket matchup looking to avenge an Opening Day loss that came in walk-off fashion. In what has been an up and down season at times, the Goon Squad certainly knows how to win in the postseason and has all the right pieces to win a championship.
The Kingfish finished the regular season as the number two seed in the Eastern Division despite a lack of depth and consistency at times. However, recent additions have solidified their roster and have them poised to make a deep run in this year's playoffs.
Season Results: Kingfish 11, Goon Squad 10
Prediction: Goon Squad 7, Kingfish 6
EAST BRACKET
Statesboro Thrashers (3-6-1) @ Steamers (9-1)
The Statesboro Thrashers (4th in West) will visit the Steamers (1st in East) in their first meeting of the season after their regular season matchup was lost via forfeit. In a season filled with tough losses (0-3 in 1 run games), the Thrashers ended their regular season with back-to-back wins and will look to carry that momentum to the playoffs.
The Steamers bounced back from a disappointing 2020 fall season by finishing 3rd in the regular season this summer before claiming the top seed in the Eastern Division this fall. Boasting the league's highest scoring offense (9.4 runs/game) and best defense (3.1 runs allowed/game), they outscored their opponents by 63 runs during the season and enter the playoffs having won eight straight league games.
Season Results: Steamers 10, Statesboro 0 (forfeit)
Prediction: Steamers 6, Statesboro 3
Braves (2-6-2) @ Pirates (5-5)
In the final opening round game, the Braves (3rd in East) visit the Pirates (2nd in West). Much has changed since these two teams last met on Opening Day, as the Braves finished 2-1-1 over their last four games and have seemingly figured themselves out. They will need more of that if they want to hoist the championship trophy in December!
The Pirates on the hand had dropped four straight before knocking off the unbeaten White Sox in their season finale proving that they are not to be taken lightly. However, they will need to find their early season form if they want to claim their first fall championship!
Season Results: Pirates 17, Braves 5
Prediction: Pirates 10, Braves 7