We've reached the cross-divisional matchup portion of the 2059 season. Portland opened that portion of the season with a 5-4 loss to the Omaha Cyclones this week and will complete a 4-game series later this week. Next on the schedule, the Lumberjacks welcome to Portland the Yellow Springs Nine which had fans looking ahead at a potential matchup of marquee pitchers. That matchup won't happen.
"I was really hoping to see a Wullenweber vs Cole matchup this weekend" commented one Lumberjacks fan who bought tickets to the games Saturday and Sunday. "But based on potential matchups, it won't be happening."
The matchup of the two Nebraska front-runners in the Frick League won't happen this go around. The duo, tied in WAR at 2.1 on the season, won't meet during the series. In fact, Wullenweber won't even pitch in the Nine series at all.
"He's schedule to pitch this Wednesday in the finale" stated Lumberjacks manager Mons Raider. "We stick to a pretty strict rotation and his turn is coming in the finale against the Cyclones. That means he won't pitch in any of the 4-games against Yellow Springs later this week. I know it would have made for an awesome matchup and could have given the winner of the game and early advantage as both the all-start starter and potential Nebraska award, but fans will have to wait until we travel to Yellow Springs to see that potential matchup.
Portland travels to Yellow Springs the last week of June.
Cole is expected to start the finale of the series against Portland.
On the season, Wullenweber is 7-1 with a 1.45 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 9 starts. Phil Cole is 6-1 in 9 starts with a 0.15 ERA and 0.67 WHIP.
