Week 3 Fast Pitch Previews and Predictions

Stampede vs Yaks
Probable Starters
Holden Palmer (STD)
Brayden Scott (STD)
Dustin Dowden (YAK)
“Arm by committee” (YAK)
Holden Palmer looks to improve on what was a solid first outing. I think Holden stays on the board more this time around and puts up a lot of 0’s. The only way I see him getting beat with the Pedes high-power offense is if Dustin Dowden continues to destroy batters like he has the prior two starts (Holden-Dustin matchup not confirmed just speculation). Dowden was served his first loss and earned run last time out and no doubt he’s looking to avenge that. I fully expect Dowden to be on the right side of pitching duel this week with a possible Jackoff pending (Context... Jackoff = CCW's extra inning home run derby). Brayden “PP” (No Context) Scott is back in action and while it’s hard to believe he will throw another 1ER, 10k game, I wouldn’t put it past him. “Arm by committee” is what Rudy told me on game two, perhaps doubting his lack of reps on the mound this season, but I’d expect very little rust from the seasoned vet. New to the Yakkers pitching committee is rookie to the league, but not the sport, Justin Swingler. Swingler is mostly unknown by the League so I’ll give him what maybe his only 15 minutes of fame here. Long time ace of the Buschwackers, (until 2024 PP) Justin completes what was once known as, and still egotistically referred to as, the YiSH’s “Big 3” (Swingler, Laugel, Scott). Swingler attempted to retire from pitching (and all of Wiffs) at the end of the 2023 season due to a nagging arm injury that we believe to be his UCL (Tommy John). Seeing myself (Laugel) and Brayden still pitching/playing absolutely kills him on the inside so here we are, 3 morons traveling 100 minutes east from southern Illinois to play professional wiffle ball. Gone are Justin’s 90 mph days, but I’ve witness low 80s from him this year, the question IF he throws is how long and how often will he stay on the board? Historically he’s the best NWLA hitter for the YiSH/Buschwackers, but I expect significant rust in his first week of CCW. How will the 3x YiSH MVP fair against CCW while supposedly past his prime? Justin, we’re not in Illinois anymore….


Prediction: Split 1-1


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8 Balls Vs Shorts
Probable Starters
Reid Werner (I8B)
Alec Berninger (I8B)
Dustin Laugel (SS)
Connor Young/Brendan Dudas/”Anyone with a pulse” (SS)
Oh boy, a week without Witty - that means the Shorts will try to keep from soiling themselves by sending the idiot writing this on the mound. I’ve learned one thing over the years, when I feel good, I get shelled, when I feel like hell, I somehow manage a gem. Currently I feel like hell and don’t expect to feel better so the Shorts may be in for a treat. It’s a tall order pitching against Reid Werner and not just because he’s 6’ 4”; If that’s the matchup I’m expected to win, bad news boys, I’m not your guy. The Shorts offense look to keep it going after an outburst in week 2, but unfortunately I sure as hell don’t see it coming against Reid. Alec Berninger’s stuff has looked pretty good thus far, plenty good to spin a gem, but throwing strikes has been a challenge at times. I expect a better Berny this week, but will it be good enough for a W? Connor Young makes his 2025 pitching Debut with high hopes he can shut down the “Shorts only have 2 pitchers” narrative. Connor gave some decent innings last year as a rookie and I expect him to be much more controlled this year. Dudas closed out a game in week 2 and hit 90mph once. Dudas is quite the specimen on the mound, I was impressed with the consistent 85-87 with nasty movement, BUT how often can he stay on the board? How any human being could pitch with such violent mechanics for more than 1 inning is beyond me.


Prediction: Split 1-1


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Moonshots Vs Hounds
Probable Starters
Will Smithey (MID)
Connor Smith (MID)
Mitch Buis (HWC)
Austin Alles (HWC)


I went back and forth on the previous two matchups weather they would be splits or sweeps, but in my opinion, this doubleheader is the easiest split pick. Expect Buis to give a vintage bounce back performance after a rocky start in week 2 and expect Smithey to throw a shutout to keep his fatherhood ERA 0.00. Connor Smith is called upon to give some meaningful innings this week, and Connor showed signs he can give valuable innings last year, just needs more consistency. Whether he matches up against Mitch or Alles, I don’t think the odds are in his favor, but stranger things have happened. Alles looked large and in charge last time out (not a fat joke, he’s just a big dude) giving up only 2 runs in a losing, but stellar effort against Witty and the Shorts. Alles seems to get better every time he pitches, and I don’t expect any different result this week.
Prediction: Split 1-1​

Dustin Laugel