WEEK AHEAD: Big wins needed to stay in playoff contention

KITCHENER - After a statement win over the Welland Jackfish on Sunday, the Kitchener Panthers find themselves in a prime position for playoff seeding.

But in order to make things more comfortable, putting some distance on the Brantford Red Sox is a must.

Brantford (10-25) is a game and a half behind Kitchener (11-23) for the final playoff spot heading into the new week, and the two teams match up twice in the next seven days.

First, it's a trip to Arnold Anderson Stadium Saturday afternoon, followed by a return match next Tuesday at the Jack.

Brantford has lost three straight, and seven of their past eight. A pair of Kitchener wins could be the final nail in the playoff hopes for those in the Telephone City.

However, those two are part of a five-game slate this week for Kitchener, who must also play three games against the top three teams in the league.

On Wednesday, Kitchener travels to Guelph to face a Royals team who has beaten the Panthers twice in the last week.

Both of those decisions came after Kitchener held an early lead. Guelph would win those two games 7-6 (in 10 innings) on Aug. 1 in Kitchener and 5-2 on Aug. 3 in Guelph.

The Royals are coming off a close defeat to Chatham-Kent Tuesday, and are making a late season push for the top two spots in the league. Both they and London sit at 21-13, two and a half games behind Barrie with a game in hand.

Welland, seeking revenge for Sunday's 8-5 loss, host the Panthers on Thursday. 

The Baycats, winners of three straight games, head to Kitchener on Sunday afternoon.

Both the Baycats and Jackfish are in a heated race for the pennant, with the teams separated by just a game and a half.

SUNDAY IS ALSO KITCHENER RANGERS DAY! MEMBERS OF THE BLUESHIRTS WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS AND WILL THROW OUT THE FIRST PITCH!

UPCOMING GAMES