Friday, September 9, 2022

Gastonia’s magic number to repeat as South Division champion is three after the Honey Hunters defeated Kentucky 9-4 on Thursday night. Any combination of three Honey Hunter wins and Lexington Legends losses would give Gastonia the first and second half South crowns.

Lancaster, despite a 6-5 loss at High Point on Thursday, continues to have a magic number of six to win the North Division second half crown. Any combination of six Barnstormers wins and Southern Maryland losses would give the ‘Stormers the crown.

Should Gastonia win the South, as a repeat champion, that would necessitate the need for a Wild Card playoff team. That spot goes to the team with the best full-season overall record.

After Thursday’s games, High Point has a 1.5 game lead over Lancaster in the Wild Card race, though the Barnstormers may not need the Wild Card if they can win the North crown. The Rockers have a 4.5 game lead over Kentucky and that margin will change as High Point starts a three-game series with the Genomes on Friday at Wild Health Field. Long Island remains in the race, trailing High Point by six games. The Ducks have nine contests remaining.