WIN-AND-IN GAMES AHEAD FOR ROCKIES AND ASTROS

It’s usually not until week 8 or 9 that Freddy first sits down to study pennant scenarios in the YCOBL, but the 6-0 starts by both the Rockies and Astros puts them in a unique position. A win by either team this week will allow them to clinch their division and a spot in the title game with three weeks to prep. That would be the earliest a YCOBL World Series matchup was decided since 1892, when the Windsor Stank Legs and Brogue Valley Brown Knickerbottoms squared off in a best-of-17 championship series that was completed in March of 1894.

But what happens if these stalwarts go down this weekend? A loss by the Astros would put the Rays in the driver’s seat, but the Astros, Royals, and Guardians would still be in the mix. Should the Rockies suffer their first defeat on Sunday, then the Phillies and Dodgers would both remain mathematically alive. Or it could rain.

FREDDY JR’s FORECAST 

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Rockies at Dodgers

This game features the top two offensive teams in the National League, but the difference here will come down to pitching, where the Rockies have the best pitcher in the NL on their side. They also have Goebeler. Rockies pop the corks.

Brewers at Phillies

After getting off to a 4-0 start, the Phils have dropped two straight and find themselves phightin’ to stay in the title hunt. While the Phillies have been streaky, the Brewers have been consistently unpredictable. If they are firing on all cylinders they can beat anybody. Phillies fire it home.

Pirates at Padres

The Padres Achillies heel has been the free pass, as they are issuing over 8 walks per game. Meanwhile, the patient Buccos take more pitches than a fitness model at a singles bar. If the time limit doesn’t get them, there could be a lot of runs scored in this one. Pirates walk on by.

Diamondbacks at Giants

Freddy can’t figure either of these teams out. The Dbacks are 2-0 when facing teams with winning records, but 1-2 against sub-.500 teams. The Giants have scored 12 or more runs twice, but two or fewer three times. So which team shows up today? Giants win. Just because.

BLAZE RUTH PICKS: Rockies, Phillies, Padres, Giants

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Rays at Astros

The ‘Stros are perfect but have been anything but dominant. They’ve been pushed in three close games and have yet to light up the scoreboard on offense. They’ll face a stiff test against a Rays team that leads the league in batting average and hobbled players. Rays create AL chaos.

Orioles at Royals

Question for the masses: does Orioles and Royals rhyme? This and other questions are answered in the next episode of “Freddy’s got writer’s block and wants to go to bed.” Royals spoil Orioles goal.

Tigers at A’s

After being the focal point of Steve Hoke’s draft for eons, how will A’s pitcher Chris Schildt react to facing his unloyal former skipper? Hoke still has four usable limbs last we checked, so one HBP to each sounds like a good estimate. A’s make it hurt

Guardians at Twins

The Twins are hungry for a win, and it’s just a matter of time until they get it. Question is, does it come against the Guardians today, or do they have to wait another week until they get the Rockies? Uh-oh. Guardians.

BLAZE RUTH PICKS: Rays, Royals, A’s, Guardians

Players and Pitchers of the Week for:

Game 6 (October 5, 2025)

AL Offense – Robert Brown, Guardians:  3 for 3, 2 Runs, and a Walk vs. Tigers

Honorable Mention: Richard Grace (Orioles), Steve Platts (Tigers), Randy Stambaugh (Twins)

NL Offense – Rick Goebeler, Rockies:  3 for 3, 1 Run, 4 RBI, a Double, and a Home Run vs. Phillies

Honorable Mention: Stephen Burk (Pirates), Rick Thompson (Phillies), Anthony Alfano (Brewers)

AL Pitcher – Timothy Gerber, Rays:  4 Innings, 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 Walks, and 5 Ks vs. Royals

NL Pitcher – David Haynes, Diamondbacks:  3 Innings, 4 Hits, 1 Run, 1 Walk, 2 Ks, and a Save vs. Pirates

We are proudly sharing the order form and the website link for the Northern York County Police tribute t-shirts that are being sold in honor of the 3 slain officers. ALL PROCEEDS from the sales will go directly to the families of the officers.

  Apparel_Form.pdf  

https://northernyorkcountypolice.itemorder.com/shop/home/