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June 9, 2023 11:25 AM

(LVBL) The Lehigh Valley Cardinals and Alpha Braves are set to square off on Sunday for the 14th time (including playoffs). The Cardinals hold the edge in the all time series 7-6 including two championship series victories (2021, 2022). Player/Manager Jose Berrios has the Cardinals rolling yet again as they’re off to a 10-0 start while Player/Manager Zach Vegh has the Braves at 6-2. Both teams are leading their respective premier divisions and this series could decide home field advantage for the playoffs. Alpha would need to sweep the Cardinals and win out to be the one seed. The Cardinals with a sweep of their own or even a split with the Braves would keep them in the drivers seat for home field advantage.

The star power in this game is off the charts as well. Matt Rosace, and Jonathan Fleck of the Cardinals and Billy Bean and Charlie Barebo of the Braves are arguably four of the best players in the LVBL. Rosace and Fleck always find their names at the top of the major stat categories offensively and that hasn’t changed this year. The pitching staff of the Cardinals is unquestionably the best in the league. De La Cruz, Atkinson, Mendoza and the newly added AJ Allen pace their staff. They also have guys like Rosace, Oehrlein, Hoderewski, and Zimmerman contribute quality innings. The Braves have the reliable Chris Lilly and Colton Langworthy leading in innings this year as Chase Alessandroni has yet to pitch this year due to injury. Rob Howell is one of the best closers in the league.

No question that on Sunday the expectation is for a high quality level of baseball to be played but we shall see. A rivalry that was once heated has turned into a mutual respect of two of the best teams year in and year out.

This Sunday at John Dolak Stadium at 11am and 1:30pm could be a dog fight and we’re all for it!

LVBL Zach Vegh contributed to this story