🏆 CCW 2025 Award Races: Breaking Down the Nominees

The 2025 CCW Fast Pitch season delivered another year of incredible performances, capped off by the Short Shorts winning the championship in a thrilling three-game series over the 8 Balls. But as the dust settles, it’s time for the league’s players to cast their votes in the CCW Awards, recognizing the top individual performances across the season. With a ranked-choice voting system (3 points for first, 2 for second, 1 for third), every ballot will matter in what promises to be some razor-thin races.
Here’s a look at the award categories, the nominees, and what sets them apart.

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🌟 Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Awarded to the league’s best all-around player, factoring in both pitching dominance and offensive impact.

• Myc Witty (Short Shorts)
  • Pitching: 0.41 ERA, 44 IP, 15.82 SO/9, 156 FIP
  • Hitting: .386/.442/.614, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 18 RC
  • The ace of the champions, Witty anchored the Shorts on the mound while adding consistent offensive production. His ability to dominate both ways makes him a complete candidate.
    
    
• Reid Werner (8 Balls)
  • Pitching: 1.50 ERA, 44 IP, 15.27 SO/9, 142 FIP
  • Hitting: .377/.429/.740, 9 HR, 19 RBI, 24 RC
  • A true workhorse, Werner nearly matched Witty inning for inning and provided lineup-anchoring on base and power at the plate. His power bat paired with elite pitching gives him a strong MVP case.
    
    
• Will Smithey (Moonshots)
  • Pitching: 1.02 ERA, 35.1 IP, 13.25 SO/9, 107 FIP
  • Hitting: .409/.435/1.015, 13 HR, 23 RBI, 29 RC
  • Smithey’s two-way numbers are becoming expected, but are still staggering. Leading his team offensively while being one of the toughest pitchers in the league, he’s a perfectly balanced MVP nominee.
    
    
    

💡 Storyline: Last year’s MVP race came down to one vote, and we expect this year to be just as close. It’s a true three-horse race, as the margins between these elite players are razor-thin. Voters will have to decide which facet of the game they value more highly when choosing. 

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🔥 Mike Speek Pitcher of the Year Award (Best Pitcher)
Dominance on the mound is the only thing that matters here, and 2025 was loaded with aces.

• Myc Witty (Short Shorts): 0.41 ERA, 44 IP, 156 FIP — a continued trend of dominance.
• Reid Werner (8 Balls): 1.50 ERA, 44 IP, 142 FIP — a top-of-the-league late-season and playoff run.
• Will Smithey (Moonshots): 1.02 ERA, 35.1 IP, 107 FIP — consistent, ace-level performance in all aspects of pitching.
• Brayden Scott (Yakkers): 0.22 ERA, 27.2 IP, 80 FIP — the rookie sensation barely allowed anything all year.
  
  

💡 Storyline: Witty has the edge statistically, but Scott’s video-game numbers in fewer innings and the proven workhorses (Werner, Smithey) make this a loaded ballot.

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💣 Yellow Slugger (Best Hitter)
The most feared bats in CCW, judged by raw offensive dominance.

• Brendan Dudas (Short Shorts): .446/.529/1.162, 15 HR, 32 RBI, 45 RC — the most balanced, sheet-stuffing statline across the board.
• Alex Gurtcheff (8 Balls): .356/.408/.944, 17 HR, 28 RBI, 34 RC — league-leading power bat, fueled by homeruns.
• Will Smithey (Moonshots): .409/.435/1.015, 13 HR, 23 RBI, 29 RC — absurd balance of average and slugging.
• Reid Werner (8 Balls): .377/.429/.740, 9 HR, 19 RBI, 24 RC — great all-around production, especially in the postseason.
• Cade Luker (Short Shorts): .397/.426/.931, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 23 RC — quietly resurgent, elite performance.
• Dylan Jones (Stampede): .386/.386/.857, 10 HR, 13 RBI, 23 RC — consistent all-around performance in fewer ABs.
  
  
  

💡 Storyline: Dudas has the statistical edge, but voters valuing the longball may swing Gurtcheff, and those valuing performance in a smaller sample size may prefer Smithey.

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🧢 Cody House Manager of the Year Award
Recognizing leadership, roster management, and success.

• Brendan Dudas (Short Shorts)
• Reid Werner (8 Balls)
• Cade Luker (Stampede)
• Will Smithey (Moonshots)
• Dylan Jones (Hounds)
• Rudy Lyon (Yakkers)
  
  
  

💡 Storyline: Dudas led his Shorts to their first title in nearly a decade, which may make him the favorite, but he did so with a roster that, admittedly, was the favorite entering the season. Werner, despite missing a few crucial weeks, saw his team outperform expectations and give the Shorts all they bargained for and thensome in the Final. Meanwhile, Luker got excellent pitching from a diverse cast, Smithey gracefully managed both veterans and newcomers, Jones led the team to admirable performance despite absence from their expected ace, and Lyon navigated multiple injuries and no-shows to keep the Yakkers in contention. 

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🧤 Golden Hands (Best Fielder)
Highlighting the defensive wizards who saved runs in the field.

• Austin Alles (Hounds)
• Brendan Dudas (Short Shorts)
• Tyler Gregory (Moonshots)
• Brayden Scott (Stampede)
  
  
  

💡 Storyline: Hard to quantify with stats, but each nominee made their presence felt defensively all season, and turned in jaw-dropping highlight-reel plays.

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🚀 Most Improved Player
From role players to breakout stars, this award honors year-to-year growth.

• Dalton Lewis (Yakkers): From 38th hitter in 2024 (0 RC) to 16th in 2025 (11 RC); 18th pitcher in ‘24 to 14th in ‘25.
• Tristan Dudas (Stampede): From 32nd hitter in 2024 (3 RC) to 22nd in 2025 (7 RC).
• Connor Young (Short Shorts): From 17th pitcher in 2024 (5 FIP) to 13th in 2025 (22 FIP).
• Alex Gurtcheff (8 Balls): From 8th hitter in 2024 (17 RC) to 2nd in 2025 (34 RC).
• Cody House (8 Balls): From 16th hitter in 2024 (8 RC) to 7th in 2025 (20 RC).
  
  
  

💡 Storyline: Gurtcheff’s leap into offensive stardom may grab attention immediately, but Lewis’s ascent on the mound and at the plate may prove to be equally deserving. Steady improvements from youngsters Tristan Dudas and Connor Young, and a resurgent campaign from veteran Cody House, land them in the running as deserving nominees, as well.

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🌟 Rookie of the Year
​The newcomers who made an instant impact in their first CCW season.

• Brayden Scott (Stampede): 0.22 ERA, 27.2 IP, 80 FIP — ridiculous dominance for a rookie.
• Nolan Karwoski (Moonshots): .256/.293/.538, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 6 RC — a solid bat with key moments for his team.
  
  
  

💡 Storyline: Scott looks like the runaway favorite here, but Karwoski provided valuable offense for a contender.

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📝 Final Thoughts
The 2025 CCW season was defined by parity, breakout performances, and the Short Shorts’ championship run. Now, the attention turns to the awards ballots, where players will decide who stood out the most. With multiple categories coming down to a handful of votes in last year’s vote, this year’s awards ceremony promises to be just as dramatic as the action on the field.

8 Balls (10-9) vs Shorts (12-5)

Truly fitting that the teams that have played each other FOUR times in the last three weeks get to play each other at least two more times. Predicting this series is about as easy as predicting the weather, as every single game has been insanely close. Somehow, the Shorts managed to win every single game, twice via a walk-off (down 5 in the final inning of both those games), once down 3 in the final inning, and once by only 1 run, which was scored in the very first inning of the game. The Shorts are riding a hot streak, winning 7 games in a row and 9 of their last 10. However, they say beating a team three times is hard - the Shorts have managed to beat the 8 Balls four times already - so what do they say about six times? The table is set for absolute chaos at the Dirtyard Classic, and I’m (Laugel) here to overanalyze every bit of it.
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Hitting
The two best offenses in the league couldn’t possibly be more different. The 8 Balls lead the League in slugging, HR, OPS, and striking out. A true all-or-nothing offense with Swamp Donkey Master Gurtch leading the league with 17 dingers, Cody House 4th with 10, and Werner with 7.
The Shorts get it done in an incredibly different way. Leading the league in Hits, Average, Walks, and Fewest Strikeouts. Outside of Dudas, the Shorts have absolutely no business swinging for the fences, even on a slow pitch. The Shorts put pressure on you all game, and the 8 Balls offense scores a lot of runs fast.
Advantage: 8-Balls (1-0)


Pitching
Reid Werner has been lights out all year to the tune of a 1.45 ERA and 84 strikeouts in only 33 innings, but after Reid, it's been some ups and downs for the 8 Balls. Alex Gurtcheff has been the #2 most of the year, tossing 18.1 innings and has had some brilliant innings, but has had some not-so-brilliant outings as well, giving him a 10.15 ERA thus far. Jay Wilsey has had limited chances (6ip) but has had good success in those limited innings in the #3/#4 duty along with Alec Berninger.

The Shorts have some guy named Myc Witty. Is he good, you ask? Well, he gave up 1 run all year (slow-pitch dinger to Will Smithey). He struck out 85 batters in 32 innings pitched, and led the League in ERA and muscles, so yeah, he’s decent. The last time the 8 Balls saw Witty, he struck out all 15 batters in a perfect game, so there is nowhere to go but up. I (Laugel) feel like I’ve given the Shorts a solid 23.2 innings in the #2 hole so far this year (Despite what Dudas says) and really have only had issues against 1 team. Oh yeah, that team is the 8 Balls. The 8 Balls are solely responsible for DOUBLING my ERA (5.83). I have excuses, but none worth mentioning. Luckily, there’s this dude named Connor Young on my team, who has done a great job bailing me out when needed. Connor has pitched out of the #3 spot and been a good reliever, delivering a 5.84 ERA across 12.1 innings. All in all, I think Witty alone gives the Shorts the pitching advantage regardless of Laugel’s recent struggles against the 8 balls.
Advantage: Shorts (1-1)


Fielding
The 8-Balls are by no means a bad fielding team, but the Shorts' fielding is full of speed, hands, and at least one mouth. Dudas, Witty, Unversaw, and Young are all great fielders that any team would take in a heartbeat. Then there’s me, who spends more time on the ground than anyone else in the league, usually bailing out a horrible feed from Dudas, off a horribly thrown pitch by me. In Dudas’s defense, he makes the plays absolutely nobody else has a shot at, and the one time we didn’t have the cameras rolling, he made an amazing over-the-fence catch to rob a home run.
Advantage: Shorts (2-1)


Experience
This one is tough. If you’re looking at just this year, the Shorts have 4 CCW NWLA players to the 8 Balls' 2. If you’re looking for league veterans, the 8 Balls team is full of them, while half the Shorts' team seems to be made up of rookies or sophomores. Reid’s walk-off home run at NWLA was incredible, as was Dudas's hitting the go-ahead bomb in what seemed like every other game. Witty may have 107 in the tank; we just haven’t officially recorded it. Gurtch hit the first-ever swamp donkey shell at NWLA (IYKYK). This is about as even as they come, but Witty does have a few championships to his name.
Advantage: Shorts (3-1)


Facial Hair
I know what everyone’s thinking - of course, a category that outright favors Laugel and his top 3 mustache (Shoutout to Bundy and Buis). Look at the rest of the Shorts, though - absolutely embarrassing. Dudas, Witty, and Connor Young grow nothing of any significance. Unversaw has potential and don’t get me started on 12-year-old Byron Young - come on man, I started shaving when I was 12.  Meanwhile, the 8 Balls are supporting the beard case, or at least trying to. Gurtch, Werner, Jay, Berny - all guys throwing around some form of masculinity. Hate to say it, but there’s an obvious winner here…
Advantage: 8-Balls (2-3)


Sobriety
It’s probably a good thing, but the Shorts are a lonely team for a Lush like Laugel to be on. Outside of maybe 1 or 2 with Witty this year, I must do all the drinking to keep our street cred up. I can’t 100% speak for the 8Balls, but I know Berny's going to put a few down, and House and Gurtch seem like guys who are down. Reid isn’t against drinking, but doesn’t seem to partake. Wait, was this category supposed to be a good or bad thing? I can’t remember, too many beers. Maybe next year, when Byron is of legal drinking age, he can supply some bonding over adult beverages. Congrats on Dudas' extreme commitment to staying OFF the wagon, that’s tough and I think you alone may cancel me out. In the end, I think the Shorts may be more sober overall…wait no, no, who am I kidding, I’m not a problem, but I may have a problem…
Advantage: 8-Balls (3-3)


Steroids
I’ve been informed that it is not in the future budget to begin testing for such things, but I think we have a 1990s MLB situation forming on our hands. I know what you're thinking - Witty is literally double the size this year. But no, look at his head - unsuspiciously the same exact size when he weighed 145 lbs. The elephant head in the room here is obviously the commissioner himself, Brendan Dudas. He claims it’s all this boulder digging and moving giving him a bigger head (figuratively for sure) and bigger arms, but I don’t think it's all natural - just look at the stats. First 8 games of the season, 4 home runs, respectable, sure, but everyone was talking about Gurtch’s Donkeys. Next thing you know, Dudas has 9 dingers in the last 7 games. Not to mention Dudas’s recent anger issues on the field, picking fights with refs, bookkeepers, and sideline reporters; a true sign of roid rage.

Gurtch may have been the first to do it, though. Come on, a guy who hit 7 dingers last year all a sudden nearly doubles it? This is a real Bonds jealous of McGwire dynamic. Barry, the only guy whose head is confirmed bigger than Dudas’s (for now), and McGwire, who was always just a bigger dude who could mash, but now he’s really mashing (Gurtch). Then we look at Cody House, talk about a guy who has gotten swole, and has really swollen my ERA; 10 dingers this year to last year's 4? Please, Sosa, don’t make it so obvious. Then there’s Alec Berninger, who claims to have been hitting the gym and not the Androstenedione. John Mitchell genuinely is just huge, and Reid seems like the guy who would do it clean, but his arm seems to be a lot better suddenly for a guy who was complaining about it a lot this year. The only clean guy on that team may be Jay, but who’s to say he’s not the distributor? Sure, Connor Young has a six-pack, but he’s 20 years old and swims, not dives (contact Connor for the difference). Are the Shorts clean? Hell no, but whew the 8-Balls are diiiiirrrrrttttyyyyy. The fact that the commissioner refuses to do testing isn’t a good look for CCW at all, but in the meantime, we will continue to reap the rewards as our popularity continues to skyrocket in the new CCW steroid era.
Advantage: 8-Balls (4-3)


Diversity
Are we really going down this road? Yes, but probably not in the way you’d expect. Look at the 8 Balls - House, Werner, Mitchell, Gurtch - this team's full of dudes who get sunburnt getting the mail. Maybe it’s the black jerseys, but also maybe it’s those white faces. In any case, I think the Shorts are the clear winners of the tanning contest. Witty and Unversaw are looking good, Dudas has spent an entire summer making love to a rock in the sun, and you know Connor Young's working on that swim tan. My shoulders currently resemble a lobster, but I assure you, they will be a nice scaly brown come the championship.
Advantage: Shorts (4-4)


In a Benches Clearing Incident
Between Dudas’s roid rage, my ability to hit batters, and Reid’s face, there’s a good chance of a scuffle of sorts during this series. I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was; but I was never good enough to deal with a guy the size of John Mitchell. That dude's going to be a problem. Going to go for the legs and hope for the best. Dudas strikes me as the spider monkey type, and maybe he can assist after he beats Reid's ass for all the trash talking he was doing (but in reality, this was manifested by Dudas' mind only). Witty will stand to the side, carefully picking his target before delivering a 106-mph punch to the unlucky contestant’s face (poor Jay). Connor Young is a stout little dude, but House is a brick house, an absolute UNIT of a man. Sure, Connor has a 6-pack, but House has an 18-pack, and those shoulders are big, son! Hope Gurtch packed his lunch, because he’s in for a long day with Unversaw standing in his way. Berny and Keegan are going to go toe to toe for about 45 seconds until Keegan's lower back/hip/uvula gives out. That, of course, leaves Mike Speek Sr. and Byron Young. The oldest dude in the league fighting a 12-year-old. A lose-lose situation for either guy if you ask me, and both too nice and too mature to engage in such a brouhaha. This fight is a literal tie through the first round, but with Witty, Dudas, and Mitch still standing and me still drinking, all bets are off.
Advantage: Shorts (5-4)


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There you have it, the Shorts have the advantage, but will it be enough for the first Championship since 2021? Or will the 8 Balls overcome the odds for their first title since 2019? One thing's for sure, the 7 good fingers I used to type all of this are exhausted, but not nearly as exhausted as I’ll be Sunday evening. First game of the 2025 Dirtyard Classic starts at 11 am!

6:30 - #5 Moonshots vs. #4 Hounds

Expected Starters:
Moonshots: Will Smithey (1.00 ERA, 55 Ks, 75 FIP)
Hounds: Austin Alles (2.40 ERA, 36 Ks, 48 FIP)

Preview: 
The Hounds and Moonshots have seen a lot of each other recently - playing all 3 games against one another in the last 2 weeks of play - and they’ll see even more of each other in the Wild Card round. The teams boast similar, potent offenses - with elite threats leading them (Smithey & Jones) and nearly equally as dangerous right-hand men behind them (Hopkins and Alles). All 4 of those guys finished the regular season in the top 6 of offensive value, and with the exception of Hopkins, who got the bulk of his production in the early stages of the season, they are all getting hot at the right time. Coby Taylor - who just turned in a 4 home run game last week - and Josh Hart - who is a dangerous power hitter on slow pitch - are expected to round out the Hounds’ playoff lineup. T-Greg will also hit for the Moonshots, and then they’ll have an interesting decision to make regarding the 4th hole, as both Connor Smith and Nolan Karwoski are valid options. 

These two pitchers faced off just last week, with Smithey narrowly out-deuling Alles in that contest. Smithey has, once again, put together a pitching season better than anyone not named Myc Witty, and is a guy that seemingly plays even better when the stakes get higher. That said, he is not unhittable, having been tagged for at least one run twice and two runs once in his 5 outings this season. Alles has taken another step forward on the bump this year, holding opponents to 3 runs or fewer in each of his outings. If he can be on the board consistently and keep the Moonshots away from slow pitch opportunities, Alles has the ability to match Smithey on the mound.

X-Factors:
Moonshots: Tyler Gregory
T-Greg, in what is reportedly his final year in a long and storied CCW career, has unfortunately had a somewhat forgettable season at the plate. He’s tied for 16th in offensive value - nothing to sneeze at, but pedestrian for a guy we’re used to seeing in the top 10 - with a .268 batting average and 4 homers. But all of that potential disappointment could be erased with a strong postseason showing. He’s no stranger to the big moment as a staple on championship Moonshot teams, and when Smithey is inevitably intentionally walked in an important moment, T-Greg seems to go Super Saiyan in those moments. I’m putting money on a big game from Gregory.

Hounds: Austin Alles
Alles is one of two guys in the top 15 offensive players this season to have only played 11 games, which speaks to the quality of his performance, even if the volume is limited. Further, he may be swinging the hottest bat in the league, coming off a Hitter of the Week award in which he went 8/11 with 5 home runs across their two games. He’s also the current holder of the “Most Likely to Actually Run Through the Dirtyard Outfield Wall to Make a Play” distinction. Combine these, and the potential for a winning game on the mound, and we’re on “The Austin Alles Game” watch. 

The Verdict:
This game has all the makings of a hard fought, low scoring affair. I expect the Moonshots’ bats to get theirs against Alles and put up a few runs, like they did last time. It’s hard to bet against Smithey on the mound, but he’ll be facing this same red-hot offense for the second time this week, making his assignment more challenging (but you could say the same thing for Alles). The big question is who wins out in a strength-vs-strength matchup between Smithey’s arm and the Hounds’ bats? If Alles, DJ, and Coby can do enough damage, this could be anyone’s game. 



8:00 - #6 Yakkers vs. #3 8 Balls

Expected Starters:
Yakkers: Dustin Dowden (0.81 ERA, 50 Ks, 68 FIP)
8 Balls: Reid Werner (1.67 ERA, 46 Ks, 58 FIP)

Preview: 
Despite the divergent roads these teams took to get here, the 8 Balls and Yakkers are actually pretty similarly constructed. Both offenses are power-dependent, slow-pitch mashers who have the downside of getting shut down if the balls aren’t leaving the yard. Both pitching staffs are led by a shut-down ace, but struggle to compete with the depth behind them. Those aces will surely get the ball tonight, with Werner throwing for the 8 Balls after a long rest between starts, and Dowden going for the Yaks. Dowden has too quietly put up an elite season on the mound - his ERA and total pitching value are third in the league, each. He’s on the board as much as anyone, and mixes in and locates a handful of different pitches, making him an extremely frustrating assignment for batters. Reid only threw 4 games this season - one fewer than any other ace - but still finished in the top 5 in Ks and just outside the top 5 in total value. 

The Yakkers' offense this season has been disappointing on the whole, but has shown an ability to deliver the big hit when it’s needed. Rudy Lyon leads the offense, with his 8 home runs falling one shy of the top 5 in the league. Behind him, Dalton Lewis has had a breakout campaign with the bat, collecting at least one hit in all but two of his 13 games. Dowden, who already has one home run against Reid this year, will slot in as well, and Justin Swingler, if playoff eligible, will round out the lineup. For the 8 Balls, Werner’s return to the lineup will be a much-needed wrinkle to the otherwise homer-or-bust nature of the team. Alex Gurtcheff is having a career year at the plate, leading the league in home runs and finishing 3rd in total offensive value. Cody House is hot entering the playoffs, going 7-10 with 3 home runs last week. And Jay Wilsey has been dependable all year, with a well-rounded approach and willingness to create some chaos on the basepaths. 

X-Factors:
Yakkers: Dalton Lewis
It feels like every week DLewy has come up big in a clutch spot, and in a game that looks likely to be a low-scoring one, the Yaks may need him to do so again to pull out a win. Lewis has become a weapon in slow-pitch opportunities and is holding his own more and more in fast-pitch. Whether in regulation or a potential jack-off tie breaker, don’t be surprised if the game hinges on a DLewy at-bat. 

8 Balls: Reid Werner
It sounds weird to call the 8 Balls’ manager and ace the wild card, but after missing the last two weeks of games, Werner’s re-introduction to the team could change things dramatically for them. Will his month off from throwing in league play result in a fresh, rested arm? Or will it create some rust that needs to be shaken off? The bulk of the damage against Reid has always come off slow-pitch, so his ability to lock in on the zone, especially on a team that feasts on lob balls, is crucial to their success. His insertion into the top of a lineup desperately in need of speed and bat-to-ball skill may be a game-changer for the offense, as well.  

The Verdict:
​I don’t think it’s too bold a prediction to say whichever team does more damage on slow-pitch will win this game. Both pitchers are extremely hard to string hits together against, and it’ll likely be one or two big hits that decide this. With the jack-off out of play in the playoffs, this one will continue until a team jumps ahead. Last year, Werner threw a 12-inning shutout in the Wild Card round, and viewers may need to buckle up for another marathon game. 

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With just two games left on the docket for each team, and the standings TIGHT (2 games separate first and last place, and there's a 4-way tie for 3rd), it feels like high school pre-calculus trying to figure out how the standings can shake out. But, we'd hate for you to expend your precious mental energy on something like that, so we're here to help. Here are the scenarios for each team going into the final set of games, whether they sweep, split, or are swept. 

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SHORT SHORTS (8–5)
Plays: 8 Balls (7–6)

• If Shorts sweep (10–5) → Clinch the #1 seed outright. Nobody can catch them.
  
  
• If Shorts & 8 Balls split (9–6) → STILL clinch #1 seed, because 8 Balls can’t reach 9-10 wins and no other team can either.
  
  
• If Shorts get swept (8–7) → Only path to losing #1.
  
  
  • Could finish #2 or #3, depending on if the Moonshots sweep their series. The Moonshots would be the only possible 8-7 that holds the tiebreaker over the Shorts.
    
    

✅ BOTTOM LINE: The Shorts control their own destiny - all they need to do to lock up the #1 seed is win one game against the 8 Balls.



8 BALLS (7–6)
Plays: Short Shorts (8–5)

• If they sweep Shorts (9–6) → Take over #1 seed (win H2H series 2–1).
  
  
• If they split (8–7) → Finish anywhere from #2–#3.
  
  
  • The 8 Balls finish as #2 with a split, unless the Stampede sweep their series, as the Stampede hold the tiebreaker over them.
    
    
    
• If they get swept (7–8) → Could drop as low as #4 depending on tiebreakers.

 

• The Yakkers, Hounds, and/or Moonshots would have to sweep their series’ to leapfrog the 8 Balls in the final accounting, since the 8 Balls hold those tiebreakers. 
• The Stampede would pass the 8 Balls if they split in this scenario.
  
  
  

✅ BOTTOM LINE: The 8 Balls are the only team who can steal #1 — but they must sweep. A split guarantees them a top 3 spot.



HOUNDS (6–7)
Plays: Moonshots (6–7)

• If they sweep Moonshots (8–7) → Jump to at least #3 (could be #2 if the 8 Balls are swept).
  
  
• If they split (7–8) → Probably land in the #4–#6 range.
  
  
  • A split would give them tiebreaker advantage over the Stampede and the Moonshots.
    
    
• If they get swept (6–9) → Likely #6 unless the Stampede also sweep the Yakkers. 

✅ BOTTOM LINE: The Hounds are unlikely to finish in the top 2 and get a bye, but can secure a more desirable seed with a strong final week.



MOONSHOTS (6–7)
Plays: Hounds (6–7)

• If they sweep Hounds (8–7) → Could rise as high as #2.

 

• If the 8 Balls are swept, and the Stampede don’t also sweep, they get the #2 seed.
• If the Moonshots sweep, the only way they end up with the #4 seed is in the event of a Stampede sweep, as well. 

 

• If they split (7–8) → Almost certainly locked in at #4–#6.

 

• In this scenario, they lose a tie breaker with the Hounds and Stampede (and 8 Balls if they’re swept), so there’s no chance to rise higher than #4.
  
  

• If they get swept (6–9) → The only way they avoid the #6 seed is if the Stampede sweep the Yakkers. 

✅ BOTTOM LINE: It’ll take a series sweep for the Moonshots to reach a comfortable position, otherwise their losing records against other nearby teams may push them down.



STAMPEDE (6–7)
Plays: Yakkers (6–7)

• If they sweep Yakkers (8–7) → Stampede jumps to #2 or #3 

 

• Unless the 8 Balls sweep the Shorts, the Pede vault them in this scenario due to the tiebreaker

 

• Hounds are the only team that beat them in a tiebreaker in this scenario

 

• If they split (7–8) → Hovering in the #4–#5 mix.

 

• In the event of a tie, they’d hold the tiebreaker over the 8 Balls and Moonshots.
  
  

• If they get swept (6–9) → Stuck with the #6 seed, unless the Hounds sweep the Moonshots.
  
  
  

✅ BOTTOM LINE: Their 0-1 record against the Yakkers coming into the final week hamstrings them a little, as a split equals a series loss. Anything other than a sweep will put the Pede in a tricky spot.



YAKKERS (6–7)
Plays: Stampede (6–7)

• If they sweep Stampede (8–7) → Yakkers could climb all the way to #2–#3 with key tiebreakers in hand.

 

• If the 8 Balls are swept, and the Moonshots don’t sweep, they nab the #2 seed.

 

• But, if the 8 Balls win a game, they climb no higher than #3, and if the Moonshots sweep their series too, they’d still be stuck with #4.
  
  

• If they split (7–8) → They’re fighting for #3–#5.

 

• They would win tiebreakers against the Hounds and Stampede, but lose against the rest of the field.
  
  

• If they get swept (6–9) → Would be praying for a Moonshots sweep to avoid the #6 spot
  
  
  

✅ BOTTOM LINE: The Yaks can still go from “long shot” to a bye — but only if they sweep, and with a little help from the Shorts and Hounds. 


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🔑 SCENARIO TAKEAWAYS

• #1 Seed Race:
  
  
  • Short Shorts clinch #1 with either a win OR an 8 Balls split.
    
    
  • 8 Balls can only steal #1 by sweeping Shorts.
    
    
• Series that Decide Playoff Fate:
  
  
  • Hounds vs Moonshots – The Hounds are in the driver’s seat after winning their first matchup, but Smithey almost certainly looms in one of their remaining games. 
  • Yakkers vs Stampede – The Yakkers hold this tiebreaker in the event of a split, but the Pede should have the Palmer brothers ready to go in an attempt to salvage their season. 

 

• Chaos Watch:
  
  
  • In the event of a multi-team tie, the teams’ combined record against the other tied teams comes into play.
  • With 4 teams tied going into the final week, the odds of this are looking pretty good - all it takes is the 8 Balls dropping one and at least one other series sweeping, or both the Hounds/Shots and Yakkers/Pede splitting or sweeping. 
  • The amount of clusterf*ckery that would produce is not worth running the calculations on at this time - so if that scenario plays out, we’ll all find out the implications together.