Setting Up The Final Two Weeks

Two weeks from today, the Dash will likely be on the bus back to Winston-Salem following their regular season finale at Salem. From now until then, Winston will fight with Myrtle Beach for the Southern Division’s second-half championship.

Barring a crazy comeback from Carolina, who dropped six games out of the playoff race by losing three of four to the Pelicans this weekend, the Southern Division Championship Series will be Winston v. Myrtle. The second-half standings will determine who hosts Game 1 of that series.

The Dash will host Game 2 and, if necessary, Game 3 of the S.D.C.S., but Game 1 is up in the air. That series opener is so crucial because if you lose that game, you are facing elimination the very next day. So, let’s take a look at the final stretch for both teams:

Tonight-Thursday:
Winston-Salem at Lynchburg (6-6 against Hillcats this season)
Myrtle Beach vs. Salem (8-8 against Red Sox this season)

Friday-Sunday:
Winston-Salem v. Myrtle Beach (Dash own 9-8 season series edge)

Next Week:
Winston-Salem v. Lynchburg (Tuesday-Friday)
Myrtle Beach at Wilmington (11-5 against Blue Rocks this season, Monday-Thursday)

September 1-3:
Winston-Salem at Salem (9-7-1 against Red Sox this season)
Myrtle Beach v. Lynchburg (7-10 against Hillcats this season)

With the slate fairly even the rest of the way, the Dash’s series with the Pelicans looms large in this race. Dash fans can have a big effect on the proceedings by showing their support this weekend at BB&T Ballpark.

- Brian