Postseason Series Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Hamilton Cardinals

Release the hounds!

What a summer.  It started late and ended too soon, especially where Maple Leafs baseball is concerned.

After a shortened two-month season, the playoffs are already here.  We've had some good times with more still to come.

For the first time since 2011, the Leafs finished 2nd in the IBL standings.  With the number one team (London) getting a first-round bye, Toronto will play the last-place Hamilton Cardinals in a best-of-three opening round.

The QEW Series.  First time since 2014. 

The Leafs won the regular season series between these clubs, three games to two.  It probably doesn't matter.  This pandemic postseason is all lightning rounds.  First team to lose two is done.  Every game is going to feel like Win Or Go Home.  

Who has the edge going in?  Let's take a look.

AT THE PLATE

This Maple Leafs' 2021 season was one of total dominance at the plate, so they will have the edge here no matter who they face.

In their first matchup this year, the Cardinals shut the Leafs out 4-0.  Since then, the Leafs have scored 15, 4, 7 and 20 runs against Hamilton.

This summer the Leafs demonstrated time and again that no lead is safe.  If they fall behind early, they have the lumber to stage a comeback.  The offensive numbers speak for themselves.

KEY STAT: The Leafs belted 59 home runs this season, almost three times as many as Hamilton.  If they find themselves in a jam, anyone in the lineup is capable of going long.



ON THE MOUND

The two teams are closer to each other here.  Bloated ERAs on both sides, suggesting that there could be some football scores in this series.  A hot starter or a killer closer could make the difference.

Where the Leafs have the advantage is in experience.  Marek Deska and Justin Cicatello have been penciled in as the Game 1 and 2 starters.  They are veterans of many a victorious postseason series.  They were both there the last time the Leafs made it to the IBL Championship Series in 2016.  That's exactly who you want in a short series.  

KEY STAT: Dustin Richardson.  The Leafs closer proved himself a Cardinal killer this season.  He made two relief appearances in Hamilton this season, shutting down the Redbirds both times.



THE HISTORY

In 2014, the IBL decided that only six clubs would make it to the postseason.  As the sixth and seventh-placed clubs, the Maple Leafs and Cardinals met in a one-game wild card to decide who would claim the final playoff spot.  One elimination game, and the loser would go home.

The Leafs were the losers.  The Cardinals took an early lead and the Leafs were unable to battle back.  They rallied late but were unable to overcome Hamilton.  That summer the Leafs' season ended on the last night of July.  Several current Leafs were there, including Marek Deska, Justin Cicatello, Damon Topolie, Dan Marra and Grant Tamane.  Johnathan Solazzo was also there in an unexpected role.  It was a weird night.

All told, there's not much recent postseason history between the Leafs and Cardinals.  Hopefully, the Leafs will be able to wrap this year's series up in two games and roll on to greater things.  Grab your beverages and let's go!

FIRST ROUND SERIES SCHEDULE (best 2 out of 3)

Game 1

Thursday, September 9 - Hamilton at Toronto - 7:30 pm

Toronto starter: Marek Deska

Game 2

Friday, September 10 - Toronto at Hamilton - 7:30 pm

Toronto starter: Justin Cicatello

Game 3 (if necessary)

Sunday, September 12 - Hamilton at Toronto - 2:00 pm 

Toronto starter: Everyone and His Brother