The end of the regular season for the Crow River Valley League is just days away but there’s a lot to figure out yet. It’s been a crazy summer off the baseball field, and that’s spilled over onto the diamond as there have been surprises all season long.
At the top of the CRVL standings, it’s the Waconia Lakers leading the way with a 9-0 record. Over the final six days, the Lakers have four games left to play. Waconia seems to be in the driver’s seat for the top-seed in the Region 7C Tournament, but will need to take care of business down the stretch in a busy week.
The Winsted Wildcats have been one of the biggest surprises this season in the CRVL. At 9-1, the Wildcats are hoping to secure a top-two seed and bye into the Region 7C Tournament. With three games left on the schedule, Winsted needs to go at least 2-1 to secure a top-two seed. The Wildcats face off against the undefeated Lakers Sunday afternoon in the CRVL regular-season finale.
Just behind the Lakers and Wildcats are the Young America Cardinals. Coming off a tough loss to the Winsted Wildcats, the Cardinals got back into the win column with wins over Mayer and Plato over the weekend. At 7-2, Young America still has a chance for a top-two seed. The Cardinals also have a busy finish to the regular season with four games. Young America would need to win at least three of their final four games to have a chance for a top-two seed, but more likely four as Winsted holds the tiebreaker over them after their thrilling win.
Winsted also holds the tiebreaker over the Watertown Red Devils after beating them earlier this season. The Red Devils at 7-3 are another team holding out hope for a top-two seed. While Winsted has a big matchup with the Cologne Hollanders tonight, a top-two seed is on the line for the Red Devils and Cardinals as they also meet tonight at Wilkommen Park.
Winsted fans will certainly be cheering for the Red Devils tonight. A win by Watertown would allow the Wildcats to go 1-2 down the stretch instead of having to win two of three. A win by the Cardinals and the pressure is on for the Winsted.
Below is a look at the scenarios for the top seeds for the Region 7C Tournament.
How Waconia Gets No. 1 Seed:
The Waconia Lakers need to win at least three more games over the final four. The difference between a No. 1 and No. 2 seed could come down to the final day of the regular season as they take on the Winsted Wildcats. A big game with the Young America Cardinals also awaits the Lakers tomorrow night. A pair of wins combined with losses from Winsted and Young America could allow the Lakers to keep the No. 1 seed even with a 2-2 finish.
How Winsted Gets No. 1 Seed:
The Winsted Wildcats control their own destiny. A 3-0 finish to the regular season would give them the No. 1 seed. Anything else for Winsted and they’ll need some help. A win over the Waconia Lakers would be huge, but the Cats need to take care of business before that if they want the No. 1 seed. The Wildcats are also in the driver’s seat for the No. 2 seed. A 2-1 finish would give them the No. 2 seed, but a 1-2 finish could be could enough with at least one loss from Young America and Watertown.
How Young America Gets No. 1 Seed:
It will take an impressive finish through the final stretch for the Cardinals to claim the No. 1 seed. The Cardinals would need to win their final four games, which would include one win over the Lakers. Young America would also need another loss from Waconia down the stretch, as well as one more loss by the Wildcats as they hold the tiebreaker over the Cardinals.
Waconia Lakers – Remaining Games
Waconia at Young America – Wednesday, July 22
New Germany at Waconia – Thursday, July 23
Waconia at St. Boni – Saturday, July 25
Waconia at Winsted – Sunday, July 26
Winsted Wildcats – Remaining Games
Cologne at Winsted – Tuesday, July 21
Carver at Winsted – Wednesday, July 22
Waconia at Winsted – Sunday, July 26
Young America Cardinals – Remaining Games
Watertown at Young America – Tuesday, July 21
Waconia at Young America – Wednesday, July 22
Glencoe at Young America – Thursday, July 23
Carver at Young America – Sunday, July 26
Watertown Red Devils – Remaining Games
Watertown at Young America – Tuesday, July 21
Brownton at Watertown – Wednesday, July 22
Watertown at Glencoe – Sunday, July 26
Follow Kip Kovar on Twitter to stay updated on all things in the CRVL.
Twitter – @Kovar_HJSports