Bronx Manhattan Division

Nassau Yankees vs. (winner) All Out/Tigers

The top-seeded Yankees will prove a tough draw for whichever team escapes the play-in game. All Out comes into the playoffs having dropped a game to the Tigers back in April, but the first-year squad has been playing much better as of late, scoring wins over the Beers, the Rainmakers and the Giants. The emergence of Ruddy Perez has helped to bolster the pitching staff, which will be tested if All Out is forced to play four games on the weekend.

Cross Bronx Rockies vs. NY Beers

The Beers and Rockies split a double-header in the beginning of the season, and there’s no reason to expect this 4-5 matchup will be anything other than competitive. The Rockies have one of the best offenses in the Metro League, led by MVP frontrunner Bryan White, who finished the regular season with 10 HRs and 40 RBIs, while the Beers boast one of the more dominant arms around in Ryan Smith. This series will likely be decided by the ability of the Beers’ second and third starters to shut down the potent Rockies’ offense.

Titans vs. Giants

One of the more exciting first-round matchups, this showdown between the two longtime Metro League squads features a number of former Express teammates in both dugouts. 

The Titans and Giants only met once this year, back in the second week of the season, each team coming away with a win. Giants pitchers should be wary of the middle of the Titans’ lineup, with George Collazo and Lenwood James providing a fearsome one-two punch.

BX Orioles vs. Gotham A’s

The first-year Orioles have certainly been impressive this year, with a powerful lineup led by hot-hitting Tommy Liang and a solid pitching staff anchored by Cy Young hopeful Anthony Cabrera. But the A’s are no pushovers – especially in a three game set –if the Valentin brothers (Jason and Joe) pitch to form.

Brooklyn/Queens Division

NYC Mud Hens vs. Elmjack Dodgers

The Hens claimed the top seed despite losing ace Chris Liegel for the final month of the season, winning 8 of their last 10 games thanks to their deep pitching staff and ability to come up with timely hits. The Dodgers have struggled somewhat in their move to the AA division, but have proved that they can play with anyone, winning games against the Baisley Pirates and the defending champion NY Storm late in the season.

Baisley Pirates vs. NY Storm

A true first-round grudge match pits the Pirates against the team that upset them in last year’s playoffs. The Pirates faltered down the stretch somewhat, winning just 4 of their last 6 games, but boast a number of talented pitchers who could be a difference maker in a three-game set.

The defending champions came into last year’s playoffs as big time underdogs and are looking to recreate the magic that took them from an 8-seed to Metro League champs in 2013.

BQE Nationals vs. Bandits

The Bandits and Nats played on the last weekend of the regular season and split a four-game season series, so there should be no surprises in this matchup. The Bandits have overcome a season-ending injury to perennial all-star Eric Scotto to contend in the competitive Brooklyn/Queens division and have used their bats – and their speed – to confound the opposition.

The Nats’ bats could pose a problem in the friendly confines of Red Hook, as the team has no shortage of players who are capable of going yard, including Arcenio Cardona, who leads the squad with three home runs on the year. 

Rainmakers vs. Proletariats

The Proles struggled early on, but seem to have found their groove in the second half of the season. Though the stats might not reflect it, the Pirates have three pitchers in Poepping, Slow and Vogenberger who are capable of shutting an offense down.

The Makers have made great strides defensively this year, and have played well behind Nick Travaglino, who has had a truly remarkable season. With a full lineup, the Rainmakers have also shown the ability to pound the ball, and could be one of the best lineups, top-to-bottom, in the Brooklyn/Queens division.

The Proles and Makers split a double-header on the last weekend of the regular season.